March 11, 2009 | David F. Coppedge

See Like a Bee, Fly Like a Fly

An aerospace engineer in Australia was inspired by insects to design a better way for missiles to find their targets.  Aviation Week reported on work announced by the Australian Government Department of Defense.  “Bioseeker,” a new guidance system for smarter weapons, was inspired by insect navigation.  The Hon. Warren Snowdon, on his website as Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, announced the new technology.  (See also the ASD-Network.)
    The press release did not say what specifically about insect navigation was being emulated, but then again, such information would be top secret.  It has something to do with the way insects are able to hone in on moving targets.  If they are modeling on the honeybee, perhaps their new Bioseeker technology includes a new stinger missile.

True or False: Snowdon’s Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program requires grounding in the theory of evolution to achieve its technological successes.

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