Bio-Inspired, Feathered Drone Flies Like a Bird

Dec-17-16 Inspired by the wings of real birds, researchers have created an innovative new feathered drone able to better maneuver in high winds.

Developed by the team from the Laboratory for Intelligent Systems, the drone is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to extend and retract large, artificial feathers made of fiberglass and nylon. Much like the wings of a bird, the drone can fully extend the feathers for faster flight, or retract them in strong winds to become more streamlined and nimble. The team also discovered that the retractable feathers eliminate the need for ailerons for turning, since altering the wingspan and surface area triggers the drone to turn automatically.

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