Swarm of drones against air defense: a modular drone has been developed that can be divided into 6 mini-drones
Chinese scientists from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (China) have reported the development of a new drone consisting of several modules, which allows it to split into smaller independent drones in flight. Such a system is capable of capturing enemy airspace and attacking air defense systems.
The drone can be divided into 2, 3, or 6 smaller drones. The result is a swarm. Each sub-drone has a single blade, so it floats in the air like a maple seed. The developers claim that such drones are suitable for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attacks.
Working together, drones can fly faster and cover greater distances than they can individually. But even after separating from the group, the drone retains flight efficiency more than 40% higher than that of small traditional UAVs.
To achieve even greater efficiency, the team decided to design the aircraft on the same principle as maple seeds. The unique structure of the seed, which includes a winged cotyledon that wraps around it, provides lift and allows it to float and rise to a certain height in windy conditions. Drones inspired by maple seeds could be used in wars, especially in situations where a swarm of UAVs is needed. However, the challenge is to ensure the efficiency of long-distance flight.
To this end, the developers conducted wind tunnel tests and found a blade shape that ensures the efficiency of combined and single flight. During flight tests, the combined drone and individual drones proved to be very stable.
The developers believe that one soldier will be able to carry many modules, which will allow assembling different types of drones with different numbers of sub-drones to perform missions. This will give the army a tactical advantage over the enemy.
