Development of a Biomimetic Ornithopter for Mitigating Bird Strikes and Enhancing Aviation Safety

Abstract

Bird strikes are a significant threat to aerial vehicles, presenting dangers to both the aircraft and their occupants and causing costly damage and disruptions. This project addresses this critical issue by developing and fabricating an ornithopter, a biomimetic aircraft designed to replicate the complex flight mechanics of birds and insects. By mimicking natural flight patterns, the Ornithopter seeks to establish an effective means of interacting with bird flocks, diverting them away from micro air vehicles (MAVs) and other aircraft, enhancing overall aviation safety and cost-effectiveness. The primary objective of this research is to engineer a functional, efficient, and reliable ornithopter capable of operating in diverse environments and adapting to different flying conditions. This project integrates principles of biology and cutting-edge aerodynamics and materials science, aiming to create a sophisticated solution that mitigates the risks associated with bird strikes and presents potential applications in fields such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, and wildlife research. Drawing on interdisciplinary knowledge, the study incorporates a systematic design, material selection, and testing approach. The goal is to ensure that the Ornithopter meets the required performance standards while remaining cost-effective, practical, and robust for widespread use across various scenarios. Ultimately, this technology's successful implementation could significantly advance aviation safety and ecological research efforts, providing an innovative and sustainable tool for managing wildlife-aircraft interactions.