China Unveils Mosquito-Like Spy Drone for Covert Battlefield Operations
A significant advancement in the creation of covert surveillance technologies has been marked by the unveiling of a bionic microdrone by a Chinese defense research institute that closely resembles a mosquito in both appearance and flight. On June 20, CCTV-7, China’s state-run military broadcaster, featured the device.
As he showed the broadcaster the microdrone, Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), remarked, “This is a mosquito-like robot.” He continued, “Special missions on the battlefield and information reconnaissance are particularly well-suited for miniature bionic robots like this one.”
The insect-inspired drone has three thin legs, two flapping wings, and a length of about 2 centimeters. It weighs only 0.3 grams. According to the Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, the wings’ ultralight design enables them to flap at a remarkable 500 times per second.
The drone can perform covert surveillance and other specialized military operations because of its numerous sensors embedded in its thin frame, which belies its size. According to defense analysts, the device’s small size makes it challenging to detect with traditional radar systems.
The South China Morning Post claims that the development team also unveiled a four-winged prototype that can be operated by a smartphone. Nevertheless, precise information regarding the kinds of data that the drone can gather has not yet been made public.
Microdrones: A Growing Global Trend
The announcement coincides with an increase in interest worldwide in military applications of microdrone technology. Similar systems are already being used in the field by countries like Norway and the United States.
The U.S. military and other armed forces currently use Norway’s Black Hornet, a palm-sized helicopter-style UAV, as a prominent example. The drone uses thermal imaging and built-in cameras to conduct covert reconnaissance.
Drones that are in the size of insects have also been tested in the United States. The HI-MEMS project was started by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2006 with the goal of developing “insect cyborgs” by integrating micro-mechanical systems into live insects for surveillance purposes.
The competition to control ultra-miniaturized drone warfare is obviously getting more intense with China’s most recent invention.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
