Design and experimental study of a new flapping wing rotor micro aerial vehicle

A new flapping wing rotor micro aerial vehicle named Rotorbee and relevant experimental study are presented in this paper. The flapping rotary mechanism, the transmission mechanism, and the wings were designed for this flapping wing rotor vehicle. The fabrication methods and materials were chosen to assemble Rotorbee. The lift tests under different structural parameters, which include flapping frequency, wing length, initial angle of attack, and rod length of structure, were carried out, resulting in a relatively optimal structure. Take off of the first powered flapping wing rotor micro aerial vehicle was eventually achieved due to innovative design, optimal structure, and proper selection of materials and fabrication methods.