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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Robots and the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

Dragonfly Insectothopter
Developed by CIA's Office of Research and Development in the 1970s, this micro UAV was the first flight of an insect-sized vehicle (insectothopter). It was intended to prove the concept of such miniaturized platforms for intelligence collection.
Insectothopter had a miniature engine to move the wings up and down. A small amount of gas was used to drive the engine, and the excess was vented out the rear for extra thrust. The flight tests were impressive. However, control in any kind of crosswind proved too difficult.

Dragonfly Insectothopter

Video Link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dJyNU1aXXwo

Robot Fish "Charlie"
CIA's Office of Advanced Technologies and Programs developed the UUV fish to study aquatic robot technology. Some of the specifications used to develop "Charlie" were:

speed,
endurance,
maneuverability,
depth control,
navigational accuracy,
autonomy, and
communications status.

The UUV fish contains a pressure hull, ballast system, and communications system in the body and a propulsion system in the tail. It is controlled by a wireless line-of-sight radio handset.
18 cm x 61 cm
(H x L x W)