China Central Television (CCTV) recently showcased the world’s most realistic bird-like ornithopter, the “Small Falcon.” Developed by researchers at Xi’an’s Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), this drone mimics bird flight through wing flapping, raising expectations for diverse military and civilian applications.
The unveiling of the “Small Falcon” ornithopter by China Central Television has captured attention. It showcases a drone designed to emulate bird flight with lifelike precision. Released on March 3, the footage provides insights into the drone’s design, research, development, and field testing. NWPU, known for its contributions to uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and hypersonic technology, spearheaded the project.
The university’s affiliation with China’s defense research sector, including ties with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has placed NWPU on the U.S. sanctions list. With a UAV defense laboratory and a subsidiary, Aisheng Technology Group Co., Ltd., responsible for manufacturing 90% of China’s drones, NWPU has a significant role in advancing aviation technology.
The “Small Falcon” stands out for its bird-like size and realistic flight maneuvers. The drone’s wings, capable of stretching and folding like a bird’s, contribute to unparalleled flight efficiency for its size. The ornithopter employs a new cone crank mechanism, imitating birds with precision.
Chinese media reports highlight the drone’s versatile features, such as folding its wings while flapping, adjusting flapping speed, and performing glides with locked wings. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel tests optimize the ornithopter’s design.
CCTV reports that the potential applications of the “Small Falcon” extend to military reconnaissance, ecological monitoring, and environmental protection. The biomimetic technology used in such drones makes them suitable for special operations and environmental monitoring without disturbing wildlife.
Experts emphasize the significant advancement in Chinese aviation technology represented by biomimetic ornithopters like the “Small Falcon.” Notably, these drones closely resemble real birds at higher altitudes, offering a natural camouflage that enhances their stealth capabilities. In military contexts, the ability to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings makes ornithopters challenging to detect through radar and visual observation, marking a noteworthy development in aerial technology.