DelFly is a brand that specializes in the development of lightweight and highly agile robotic flyers. Their latest creation, the DelFly Nimble, is a remarkable design that can hover or fly in any direction with exceptional performance. Unlike its predecessors, the DelFly Nimble doesn't have a tail or conventional control surfaces.

Instead, it is controlled through insect-inspired adjustments of motion in its two pairs of flapping wings. This unique feature not only makes it less vulnerable to damage but also enables outdoor operation in light winds. The DelFly Nimble boasts exceptional power efficiency and can fly for over 5 minutes on a fully charged battery.

With a wingspan of 33 cm and a forward cruise speed of approximately 3 m/s, it has a flight range of over 1 kilometer. Additionally, the robot has a thrust-to-weight ratio of more than 1. 3 and can carry an extra payload of up to 4 grams.

Inspired by the flight dynamics of insects, the DelFly Nimble achieves forward, backward, and sideways flight through bio-inspired wing-based control. It can perform 360-degree flips and rapid transitions between different flight modes. Its agility is further enhanced by the absence of a tail, which is compensated by an onboard autopilot and Paparazzi UAV software for active stabilization.

In addition to its practical applications in various industries, the DelFly Nimble also provides a unique platform for studying insect flight dynamics and control during high agility maneuvers. Its innovative design and unmatched combination of performance make it a safe and natural-looking robot suitable for real-world tasks. For media and other inquiries, please contact M.

Karasek@tudelft. nl or visit the Micro Air Vehicles Laboratory website at Delft University of Technology