Bionic Locust Wing for MAVs

thingiverse

Release Notes05.01.2024: The venation around the rudder part is too high and dense to be bendable in both directions. I will update this within the next few days.A simple test for ultra lightweight and robust bionic wing design for MAVs. It's directly printed onto a plastic sheet for a wing membrane.BackgroundThe process is very similar to this study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98242-yVenation PatternLocusts are known for their long-distance flight capabilities. Their wings are not only robust, enabling sustained flight, but also highly flexible, allowing for rapid changes in direction and speed. This is crucial for locusts during their mass migrations, where endurance and maneuverability are key. The elongated wing shape contributes to efficient gliding and sustained flight, ideal for missions requiring extended air time. Moreover, the flexibility of the wings aids in quick, responsive maneuvers, a vital feature for MAVs in dynamic environments or when avoiding obstacles.Design NotesI went for a span of 36cm. The total weight of one side of front and hindwings is 9g excluding the membrane. I added a servo control horn to the hindwing to use parts of it as elevon rudders.Other DesignsCheck out my other bionic designs, you might find a thing you like.Bionic Bumblebee Wings for high lift applicationsBionic Hawkmoth Wings for high agility applicationsBionic Chiton Scale Armor for highly flexible and leightweight protection