DOD wants bug-like eyes for micro air vehicles

The Defense Department has distributed research awards to a number of contractors to make bug-eye structures and micro-feather/hair-covered membrane wings for micro air vehicles that will enable such vehicles to interact with the environment on their own using capabilities similar to those of insects and birds, reports Dawn Lim at Danger Room blog.

The “eyes” under development would enable micro air vehicles to do a better job of spying on and identifying enemies, and also improve their ability to navigate obstacles in challenging environments, the blog states.

The goal of the project is to equip micro air vehicles with hair-like sensors that will enable them to flight with an efficiency and agility of the hawkmoth, an insect known for its hovering flight patterns.