A Japan-based startup is developing cardboard-based drones.
Air Kamui built these low-cost drones, dubbed AirKamuy 150, from corrugated cardboard for use as expendable, lightweight, inexpensive aerial targets.
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Capable of being rapidly manufactured in large numbers, these biodegradable drones feature lightweight components and are designed for tasks such as training exercises where the aircraft are expected to be lost.
In addition to training applications, the drones are also being eyed for military tasks as their cardboard structure reportedly reduces radar reflection versus drones made of metal or carbon fiber. Because their construction makes them difficult to detect, these cardboard drones show promise for reconnaissance missions, enabling forces to locate targets while simultaneously remaining less visible to enemy sensors.
According to its developers, the AirKamuy 150’s corrugated cardboard construction features a water-resistant coating to protect against the elements. Additionally, it can be shipped flat-packed for rapid assembly in roughly five minutes. With a price tag of about $2,500, the AirKamuy 150 is significantly less expensive than conventional fixed-wing drones.
