Research on the development status, applications, and trend of flapping wing aircraft

Ornithopters, characterized by their high energy efficiency, minimal target visibility, enhanced flexibility, and compact design, represent a critical trajectory in the evolution toward more intelligent, coordinated, biomimetic, and concealed aircraft systems. This review begins with an examination of the current development status of typical aircraft in regions such as the USA, Russia, and Europe. It then delineates the principal technical characteristics of ornithopters, focusing on energy consumption, target detectability, agility, and system control. In light of the rapid evolution in combat approaches, the discussion extends to pivotal aspects of ornithopter utilization in practice, which primarily include situational awareness, command response, decision-making, and posture control. The paper concludes by projecting future trends in ornithopter development, emphasizing advancements in intelligent decision-making, endurance enhancement, system stability, and collaborative operation.