Is it a bird...no it's a plane (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Is it a bird...no it's a plane

SCIENTISTS have teamed up with a Swindon research council to develop a secret spy plane just six inches long.

If successful, the minute craft could completely change the face of the battlefield.

The ambitious two-year project is being partly funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, which has its offices in North Star Avenue.

The US Air Force, which has a presence at RAF Fairford in Gloucester, is also investing heavily in the project.

Now the scientists, who are from the University of Bath, are busy working on ways to maximise its speed.

Ismet Gursul, the project leader, says his team has been looking at nature.

By studying the flight of birds and insects they hope to gain some useful tips that they can transfer to their design.

Dr Gursel said: "We are breaking new ground.

"While naturalists have studied bird and insect flight for more than half a century, our basic understanding of their aero dynamics is limited.

"We are looking at the most effective way of flying, and the rapid flapping of a flexible wing is one of these.

"In this respect we are imitating nature."

If the research is successful, the plane could be used instead of humans to go behind enemy lines and examine the enemy's strength.

Jane Reck, spokeswoman for the research council, points out that the plane could even be used effectively in peacetime scenarios, where risks of serious injury are high.

She said: "The spy plane could make a significant difference in areas where we currently rely on people to carry out surveill-ance work.

"For instance, you could search a smoke-filled building or carry out military reconnaissance without having to send people in to the area of danger.

"The research could also be used in traffic monitoring, aerial photography and detecting hazardous substances."