The dragonfly drone
It can fit in the palm of your hand…and spy on our enemies
A TINY remote-controlled aircraft modelled on an insect will become Britain’s latest weapon against terror.
The Dragonfly micro-drone – which can fit in the palm of the hand – will spy on enemy positions and gather intelligence for the military and British agents.
It is inspired by the biology of a dragonfly, with four flapping wings and four legs to enable it to fly through the air and perch on a window sill to spy on terrorists.
The gadget – fitted with a minute camera – could even fly into heavily guarded rooms full of jihadists and provide soldiers on the battlefield with a picture of what is going on. It will be able to gather intelligence at night as well as during the day.
It is one of the futuristic pieces of kit currently being developed for the Ministry of Defence and Britain’s security
‘This will help to keep us safe’
forces as part of the MoD’s innovation project, which is launched today. The project aims to ensure that Britain maintains its military advantage over other countries.
A Star-Wars style laser weapons system that will be able to burn holes in enemy drones will also be added to the Army’s new kit. The ground-based laser will also target conventional aircraft.
A mobile robot that can detect chemical weapons is being created. It would be sent into hazardous environments where nerve agents and other toxic chemicals were feared to have been used to see what has been contaminated, preventing. soldiers from entering lethal areas.
The Army will also be equipped with sensors that will survey underground structures in minutes rather than weeks, enabling soldiers to build a picture of tunnels and bomb stores such as those being used by jihadists in Syria and Iraq.
Virtual reality helmets are also being designed which would enable pilots to simulate airstrikes on the ground rather than in the skies. Under the innovation initiative, an Innovation and Research Insights Unit will analyse emerging technologies. Companies and individuals will be asked to pitch to a Dragon’s Den-style panel – backed by a fund of around £800milllion over ten years.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: ‘This new approach will help to keep Britain safe while supporting our economy with our brightest brains keeping us ahead of our adversaries. Backed by a defence budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, it will ensure that the UK maintains its military advantage in an increasingly dangerous world.’