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Hummingbird-Size Wing-Flapping Drone Unveiled

Posted by Soulskill on from the time-to-fill-your-bird-feeder-with-batteries dept.

garymortimer writes "AeroVironment, Inc. has demonstrated a tiny new drone called a 'Nano Hummingbird.' The hand-made prototype aircraft has a wingspan of 16 centimeters (6.5 inches) tip-to-tip and has a total flying weight of 19 grams (2/3 ounce), which is less than the weight of a common AA battery. This includes all the systems required for flight; batteries, motors, communications systems and video camera. The aircraft can be fitted with a removable body fairing, which is shaped to have the appearance of a real hummingbird. The aircraft is larger and heavier than an average hummingbird, but is smaller and lighter than the largest hummingbird currently found in nature."

1 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. Flight video of test criteria by SnoopJeDi · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's a youtube video of the drone meeting several of these criteria. http://youtu.be/a8ZbtZqH6Io