Design, aerodynamics, and vision based control of the DelFly

Journal article (2009)

Authors

G.C.H.E. de Croon

M. De Clercq External organisation

Rick Ruisink

B.D.W. Remes OLD Aerospace Software Technologies Institute

C. de Wagter

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Published Date

2009

Language

English

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Abstract

Light-weight, autonomous ornithopters form a promise to observe places that are too small or too dangerous for humans to enter. In this article, we discuss the DelFly project, in which we follow a top-down approach to ever smaller and more autonomous ornithopters. Top-down signifies that the project always focuses on complete flying systems equipped with camera. We give arguments for the approach by explaining which findings on the DelFly I and DelFly II recently led to the development of the DelFly Micro: a 3.07-gram ornithopter carrying a camera and transmitter onboard. These findings concern the design, aerodynamics, and vision-based control of the DelFly. In addition, we identify main obstacles on the road to fly-sized ornithopters.