The U.S. Navy’s research lab recently released a new video showing progress on its “Flimmer” unmanned aerial vehicle, which has the capability to fly through the air, then dive into the ocean and propel itself underwater. “The Navy’s looking for unique solutions for emplacing sensors, for getting data in hard-to-reach locations,” said Dan Edwards, the head researcher for the project. “Flimmer holds promise.” Edwards said the design has been inspired by the study of seabirds that have the ability to fly and then splash down and swim underwater to catch fish. The vehicle could be used to measure chemicals underwater, search for oil leaks, and more. “It’s really a game changer in the delivery of underwater systems,” Edwards said.
The technology could “significantly improve tactical availability of unmanned undersea vehicles in time-critical situations,” the Navy said. The speed to deliver a UUV to a site of interest by boat is slow, the Navy said, while UAV speeds are comparatively fast and efficient, and unaffected by high sea currents. The Flimmer design “opens the options for difficult-to-access areas,” the Navy said. The current prototype uses two sets of wings, rigid ones for flying, and a set of flapping wings for underwater propulsion. The Navy said it plans to develop wings that can be used for both functions.
