Micro Air Vehicles in India - An Overview

Abstract

The genesis of the Micro Air Vehicles (MICAV) program and its progress in the last decade is discussed. Fixed, rotary and flapping wing MICAVs (300 mm class) have been successfully flown using remote control by Educational Institutions, Laboratories and enthusiastic entrepreneurs, transmitting video imagery. They are now moving on to autonomous control and its integration with navigation and guidance. The need for micro-sensors has led to work on convergence of micro, nano, bio, info and cogno technologies which are discussed. The need for simulation and cooperative flying of MICAVs with UGVs is stressed and finally the thrust areas for the next five years have been suggested for aerodynamics, structures, control, navigation, guidance, sensors (including bio sensors), power sources, simulation and operations involving brain-machine interface.