NASA and Ohio Aerospace Institute have been working on designs for a solid-state unmanned aircraft that mimics the flight of a bird. Using thin-film solar arrays and an ionic polymer-metal composite material that can deform in an electric field like an artificial muscle and return to its original shape when the field is removed, Combining the unique characteristics of these materials the vehicle would be able to flap its wings without using conventional mechanical parts.
With a flight profile similar to that of a hawk or eagle, the Solid State Aircraft will be able to soar for long periods of time, utilize its flapping motion to regain lost altitude. It could have a number of uses such as gathering data, relaying communications, and surveying terrain. It could even be used on other planets in atmospheres that would ground conventional aircraft’s.
