TechJect Dragonfly UAV

The Robot Dragonfly (Trademark) is a miniaturized four-winged ornithopter UAV designed and manufactured by TechJect. The Dragonfly is 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. The initial deliveries were estimated to occur in July 2013 but currently a production prototype has not been developed and large scale production runs are unlikely to begin until 2017. Research and development is still underway.

Design

The unit as currently envisioned and being prototyped is a miniaturized four-winged ornithopter which uses a flight model based on that of a dragonfly. This is the first palm sized miniaturized ornithopter to be prototyped to exhibit powerful actuation at small sizes, while other larger versions have been produced. (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 is being 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 are being built to 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 - Retired for now) or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the Delta, Gamma, and Omega models. With a final goal 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] However, the technology is still under development and updated specs are not released yet.

Cameras and Sensors

The Dragonfly can be equipped with up to twenty environmental sensors (including GPS and cameras), dependent 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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to TechJect Dragonfly UAV.