U.S. military developing drones the size of an insect
Calgary Herald
June 26, 2011
American military engineers are developing a new generation of aerial microdrones, shrinking the unmanned aircraft to the size of insects and birds.
Developers at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio have produced dozens of prototypes typical of a James Bond film, based on the flight mechanics of birds, moths and dragonflies.
The Pentagon has rapidly increased its use of drones in the past two years to gather intelligence and launch missiles over Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Supporters claim they have weakened al-Qaeda and reduced the risk of U.S. casualties. …
The next generation will be autonomous, flying themselves and programmed to search out targets, nuclear weapons or even spot survivors of natural disasters. …
