This paper discusses the conceptual design and proof-of-concept flight demonstration of a novel variable pitch quadrotor biplane Unmanned Aerial Vehicle concept for payload delivery. The proposed design combines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), precise hover capabilities of a quadrotor helicopter and high range, endurance and high forward cruise speed characteristics of a fixed wing aircraf...

During migratory stopovers, rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus (Gmelin, 1788)) can achieve high daily rates of net energy intake and mass gain while foraging at a range of elevations and ambient temperatures, despite the high energetic costs of hovering flight and thermoregulation. To gain insights into the factors affecting the energetic costs incurred during foraging, we captured migrator...

This paper deals with the application of receding horizon methods to hover and forward flight models of an experimental tethered flying wing developed at Caltech. The dynamics of the system are representative of a vertical landing and take off aircraft, such as a Harrier around hover, or a thrust-vectored aircraft such as F18-HARV or X-31 in forward flight. The adopted control methodology is a ...

leishmaniases are a group of sand fly-borne diseases caused by protozoan parasites from species of leishmania genus. these diseases are reported in about 100 countries with a prevalence of 12 million people infected and incidence of 2 million people per year, putting approximately 350 million people at risk of the infections. leishmaniases are endemic and are considered as important public heal...