Nano Air Vehicle (NAV)*

Abstract

*Formerly Nano-Flapping Air Vehicles. (U) The goal of the Nano Air Vehicle (NAV) program is to develop a hummingbird-inspired flapping air vehicle technology with less than a five inch wingspan and gross take-off weight of fifteen grams or less. Operations in the urban terrain require sensors that can navigate in difficult terrain and be inserted without being detected. Small air vehicles capable of navigating interior domains without GPS would enable autonomous prosecution of a number of high risk missions that are currently performed by warfighters. Examples of such missions include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in buildings, underground facilities, caves, tunnels, and confined urban environments. Key enabling technologies include: flapping wing aerodynamics, kinematics and flight dynamics, lightweight aero-elastically tailored wing structures, miniature navigation systems, micro-propulsion systems, small payloads, and the ability to perch like a bird.

Document Details

Document Type
Accomplishment
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
b06b470987d3290f29c29a648b605fb9

Tags

Readers

  • Aerial Unmanned Vehicle Swarm Micro Periodontal Dentistry.
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers

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