Better take a second look at that hummingbird in your yard.
Developers at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio have produced dozens of prototypes that would not look out of place in a James Bond movie, based on the flight mechanics of birds, moths and dragonflies.
The Pentagon has rapidly increased its use of drones in the past two years to gather intelligence and launch missiles from the skies over Pakistan and Afghanistan. Supporters claim they have weakened al-Qaeda and reduced the chances of US casualties.
Major Michael Anderson, a doctoral student at the base’s advanced navigation technology centre, who is developing wings based on those of the hawk moth, said: “It’s impressive what they can do compared to what our clumsy aircraft can do.”
Today’s drones, such as the Predator and Reaper, are the size of light aircraft and piloted by remote control.
The next generation will be autonomous, flying themselves and programmed to search out targets, nuclear weapons or even spot survivors of natural disasters.