AeroVironment Nano Hummingbird

AeroVironment (USA), for DARPA · 2011

AeroVironment (USA), for DARPA AeroVironment Nano Hummingbird (1)
Not soldDARPA Nano Air Vehicle program prototype (~$4M DARPA funding since 2006).
Not for sale (research)Not programmableHummingbird ornithopterDARPAVideo camera
Not soldShipping: Not sold. Never sold; a DARPA prototype.
Remote control: Not possible. A military research prototype.
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Overview

Announced in February 2011, the Nano Hummingbird was the first hovering flapping-wing vehicle to carry its own batteries, radio and camera while meeting DARPA's milestones, including flying through a doorway and being piloted only from its video feed. It is larger than a typical hummingbird but fits in a hand. It never became a product.

Specifications

CategoryFlapping-wing fliers · Flapping-wing robots
Released2011
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsCamera
ActuatorsUnknown
AudioNo audio
Compute typeProprietary / undisclosed
Remote controlNot programmable
Size16 cm wingspan, 19 g
LocomotionTwo flapping wings used for both propulsion and attitude control; hovers
ComputeOn-board flight control (not published)
CameraSmall video camera (live feed to pilot)
SensorsNot published
RuntimeUp to 11 min
Speed18 km/h (11 mph)
SDKNone

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits