Abstract: The current development of small/micro unmanned aerial vehicles represented by the platforms of fixed wing, flapping wing and rotor wing, etc, is discussed. The related techniques for their further development are mentioned too. The aerodynamic characteristics of low Reynolds number, the influence of separation bubble and aspect ratio are discussed. The unsteady aerodynamics and the unsteady high-lift mechanisms applied in flapping wings are introduced. Two available design methods, multidisciplinary/multiobjective optimization method and heuristic/evolutionary method, and the importance in design of flexible wing and active intelligent control are discussed.

Key words: small/micro unmanned aerial vehicle, aerodynamics, shape design