A Small Aerial Drone for Covert Surveillance that Can Change Appearance

Conceals Wings or Blades to Camouflage Itself Within Urban Environments

This palm-sized aerial vehicle alters its shape to avoid detection. The small flyer, equipped with a camera and microphone, transforms into an inconspicuous object, such as a soda can, upon landing. In recent decades, unmanned micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs) have gained acceptance for military applications. They frequently serve as the preferred option for so-called 3D missions that are often dull, dirty or dangerous. For example, some of these military tasks include long periods of uninterrupted surveillance, sampling hazardous materials, exploring collapsed structures and exposure to enemy fire. As the US Air Force Research Laboratory continues researching and developing fully operational bird-sized and insect-sized MAVs, the demand for smaller and less conspicuous micro-flyers becomes more readily apparent.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a MAV with retractable wings (in the plane-style embodiment) or retractable blades (in the helicopter-style embodiment), powered either by batteries or a gasoline engine. These aerial vehicles enable the equipment of a camera, microphone and other sensors, making the vehicles ideal for various reconnaissance operations.

Application

A palm-sized micro-flyer that uses urban camouflage, transforming into a soda can, bottle, box or other object to hide in plain sight during stealth missions

Advantages

• Avoids detection by camouflaging itself as a common object, such as trash, making it perfect for covert intelligence-gathering
• Permits the integration of sensors due to its large carrying capacity, protecting human operators by alerting them to potential chemical/biological hazards
• Permits greater maneuverability in tight spaces due to its small size
• Employs an innovative design, allowing flight at high and low altitudes
• Operates quietly and could incorporate night-vision equipment for nocturnal missions, augmenting stealth

Technology

The proposed micro-aerial vehicle takes the formation of either a small plane or helicopter with retractable wings or blades that retract into the micro-flyer’s fuselage (i.e. the main body section) when not in use, disappearing from sight. After the device lands, it appears as an ordinary soda can or beverage bottle. Sensors incorporate into the vehicle to function as early warning systems, detecting the presence of explosives and/or biological weapons. The micro-aerial vehicle shows soldiers danger that may lie ahead, removing the enemy’s ability to launch surprise attacks and saving lives. The technology also lends itself to considerably larger designs, measuring one meter or greater in length.