Flapping-wing Micro Air Vehicles

This paper presents an overview of the two types of flapping-wing micro air vehicles that have been developed in recent years. Biomimetic designs imitate nature while biomorphic designs are merely inspired by nature, but incorporate other design features not found in nature. A recent successful biomimetic flapping-wing micro air vehicle—the Microbat, developed by the AeroVironment Company—is described. Also, the major design features of a biomorphic micro air vehicle, developed by the authors, are presented in some detail. This design incorporates a fixed wing and two flapping wings arranged very close behind the trailing edge of the fixed wing.