Perching Micro Air Weapon

As a result of a successful SBIR Phase I effort, Design Intelligence Incorporated, LLC (DII) analyzed and demonstrated the feasibility of innovative perching micro air vehicle (MAV) design concepts using multi-modal energy harvesting techniques. The proposed SBIR Phase II effort will develop an operational prototype vehicle to demonstrate the design concepts that were developed during the Phase I effort. DII’s design concept is based on advanced MAV technology including variable-geometry wings (wing-morphing, wing sweep, etc) as well as innovative techniques for landing and take-off from perched locations and modes. DII’s proposed solution is based on the use of energy harvesting “modality pairs” that ensure usable ambient power is available to power sensors, recharge batteries, and support MAV mission operations. DII’s proposed Phase II prototype vehicle will utilize advanced concepts such as biomimicry to achieve high levels of camouflage and concealment. The prototype vehicle will be developed to operate according to a realistic CONOPS. DII’s prototype vehicle will utilize multi-functional structures and components to the maximum extent possible to ensure a very effective and efficient design solution and configuration. The prototype vehicle will utilize DII’s proprietary energy harvesting and power management system that supports the use of hybrid energy storage technology. BENEFIT: The most immediate application of the proposed technology will be to support military missions and improve safety for military personnel engaged in combat operations. However, as national airspace regulations are updated and modified to accommodate unmanned and remotely-piloted vehicles, it is anticipated that a variety of non-military and commercial applications will emerge. Commercial variants of the vehicle technology could be used for a variety of purposes such as search and rescue operations, crop monitoring, wildlife tracking and management, border control and surveillance, as well as a variety of law enforcement applications. The proposed Phase II research will advance the “state-of-the-art” for energy harvesting technology and systems. The continued development of energy harvesting will have immediate applications in both consumer electronics as well as wireless sensors.