DAEDALUS: A fresh bio-inspired aircraft design concept

In the past several decades, general aircraft design concepts have undergone rather subtle. Today's designs, although more technologically advanced, are mostly based on the same fixed wing design principles as those from the last century. In this study, the aim is to develop a more novel approach by incorporating bio-inspired mechanisms that can elevate the conventional aircraft technology to a new level. The research, in particular, will focus on creating an aerospace structural system capable of generating propulsive and lift forces simultaneously. Using available technology, the intention is to mechanically reproduce the flapping motion in a small scale aircraft with all of its intricacies that can be observed in nature. Seagulls were selected as a reference model for this project, titled DAEDALUS, due to their size-scale and comparatively gentle flapping motion in cruise conditions that are more feasible to mimic using conventional electro-mechanical components. In addition, seagulls are able to produce lift throughout the whole wing stroke by adjusting the angle of attack of their wings according to the wing position. For future applications this would result in more comfortable and stable flight conditions. The paper herein describes the methods and approaches used to examine the feasibility of a pair of flapping wings to propel a small scale aerospace vehicle prototype.