Plasma propulsion drives tiny drones

Published 23 January 2008

The military, law enforcement, and industry turn to ever-smaller surveillance and inspection devices — some the size of insects; trouble is, these miniature drones have a tendency to break down because of the many moving parts required to make them fly; OSU researchers find a solution: Plasma micro thruster

Military researchers keep building smaller (see HSDW July 2007 story about articifical flies used in surveillance) and smaller robotic spies and artificial surveillance insects (which may be used for industry-related insepction of toxic releases; see HSDW August 2007 story). Reliably propelling these tiny things is not easy, though. Using flapping wings, tiny propellers, or ducted fans, the miniature drones all have a tendency to break down because of the many moving parts required to make them fly. This is why DARPA-funded researchers at Oklahoma State University are working on a propulsion system for tiny drones with no moving parts at all. The Daily O’Collegian reports that it uses plasma thrusters instead.

Ceran Ozturk, a graduate student studying mechanical and aerospace engineering said having no moving parts is necessary for smaller engines. “Our project is perfect for small scaled usage,” Ozturk said. “It will work in an engine for a small vehicle because building an actual engine that small with all the moving parts is almost impossible. It could provide power for micro and nano unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV.)This class of airplane can measure anywhere from a foot to less than 6 inches long.”

OSU professor Jamey Jacob is guiding the research project.