Military researchers working on flex-winged drones: Why is it that military researchers always seem to get the best toys? That certainly seems to be the case at the University of Florida, where military-funded researchers are working on a possible successor to the Air Force’s unmanned Predator planes. The new drones, inspired by seagulls, feature shape-changing wings, designed to let the planes swoop into tight spaces like alleys and apartment balconies. Motors in the wings enable them to flex at their “elbows,” executing a full upward or downward movement in 12 seconds. Project leader Rick Lind (pictured) also drew inspiration from the Wright brothers’ early planes, which included flexible wings controlled by cables.
(thats all from engadget: http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000013055908/ )
here is the story they reference: http://tinyurl.com/9765f
its a very cool idea, but if they could make it ....faster? I mean 12 second to change wing shape... thats like an eternity.....
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