Chinese media, including China Central Television (CCTV), reported on the 21st that Chinese researchers have developed a reconnaissance drone the size of a mosquito.

The University of Science and Technology of Defense in China reveals a reconnaissance drone / Photo = University of Science and Technology of Defense in China

According to CCTV, the Robotics Institute of National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) has developed a drone that is 2 cm long, with a wingspan of 3 cm and a weight of 0.3 g. The drone incorporates technologies such as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), material science, and bionics.

It also increased the precision of chip etching (drawing patterns on a wafer) to 5 nm (nanometers = one-billionth of a meter). This is a level where the entire content of the Chinese classic 'The Art of War' can be contained in an area the size of a fingernail.

Additionally, it can flap its wings up to 500 times per second using carbon nanotube reinforced flexible actuators, possessing elasticity and flying ability similar to that of insects.

It can also fly stably in winds of 62 to 74 km/h.

The institute expects that this drone can sneak into areas that are difficult to access with traditional reconnaissance equipment on the battlefield because it does not get detected by radar.

Liang Hexiang, a research student at NUDT, told CCTV, "Such ultra-small drones are particularly suitable for information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield."