Dr Hamid Isakhani - University of Birmingham

Flapping wing micro aerial vehicles (FWMAVs) have gained attention during recent years due to their agility and stealthiness in surveillance and reconnaissance missions. However, wing flapping is highly energy-intensive compared to fixed-wing flight. This is because the lift generated through wing articulation is aerodynamically inefficient. Current FWMAVs are restricted to available software and hardware such as computationally expensive flight control systems, electric motors, and conventional cranking mechanisms generating minimal or tethered lift. To address these challenges, nature is our source of inspiration, particularly desert locusts, which swarm via well-coordinated and collision-free gliding flight.

Researchers have been inspired by this insect’s exceptional capabilities since the mid-20^th century. One of the main factors attributed to this insect’s ability to complete long-range flights is its wing morphology. To escape predators, its dedicated neurons quickly respond to stimuli. Therefore, further research on locusts’ visual neurons and wing morphology could potentially help us develop a robust and agile FWMAV. However, most of the literature is either focused on plausible fundamental research, or augmentation of a single solution such as flapping or controlling mechanism. This research will instead focus on a more holistic, application-oriented approach, to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, range and autonomy. It will enable fabrication and integration of an artificial wing prototype and an autonomous flight controller in one FWMAV platform that is capable of long-range flights due to gliding which is also more environmental-friendly due to minimal reliance on active propulsion.