TechJect Dragonfly UAV

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The TechJect Dragonfly is a miniaturized four-winged ornithopter UAV designed and manufactured by TechJect. The Dragonfly has been designed for: aerial photography, interactive gaming, autonomous patrolling for security and surveillance, etc.[1]

Development of the hobbyist version was funded via an Indiegogo campaign, with initial deliveries estimated to occur in July 2013. As of December 2013, deliveries have not yet been announced.

Design

The unit as currently envisioned and prototyped is a miniaturized four-winged ornithopter which uses a flight model based on that of a dragonfly. While not the first miniaturized ornithopter to be prototyped (see e.g., the DelFly [2][3]), the Dragonfly is the first to make use of multiple models, each customizable with multiple options, such as wifi connectivity.[4][5]

Technical specifications

The Dragonfly can be equipped with one of three different electronics packages. These include the Marc-Basic, Marc-2, and Marc-3. Each one is more capable than the preceding model, culminating in the Marc-3, which is equipped with approximately twenty different sensors. In addition, all models will have camera capability, including stereoscopic vision through dual cameras (available with the Marc-3). HD vision is optional. Power is provided from a single-cell Li-Po battery rated at 250mAh. The actuator system for the wings is based on either magnetic solenoidal actuators (Alpha model) or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the Delta, Gamma, and Omega models. With a weight of ~25g and a length of 6", the micro UAV is expected to hover for ~8–10 minutes, with a hybrid flight time (hovering and fixed-wing gliding) of ~25–30 minutes.[6]

Cameras and Sensors

The Dragonfly can be equipped with up to twenty environmental sensors (not including GPS and cameras), dependant on electronics package. At minimum, the unit will be equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope as is required for controlled flight through inertial guidance. At most, the unit is currently envisioned to equip approximately 20 sensors, including 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscopes, 3-axis magnetometers, an ambient light sensor, an ambient humidity sensor, and a differential/absolute pressure sensor. Further sensor packages may become available in the future.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "TechJect Inc."
  2. ↑ "Delfly Ornithopter"
  3. ↑ "Delfly Article"
  4. ↑ "Gizmag Article"
  5. ↑ "CIA Dragonfly Drone"
  6. ↑ "TechJect Dragonfly Indiegogo page"
  7. ↑ "Dragonfly Electronics Detail"

External links

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