Abstract: A preferred apparatus for generating power from a non-combustive chemical reaction with the power being sufficient to enable motion of the apparatus includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst that is configured to receive monopropellant fuel. The catalyst is chemically reactive with the monopropellant fuel so that, in response to a fuel metering device providing the fuel to the reaction chamber, a chemical reaction occurs which produces heat and gas. Additionally, a reciprocating motion-producing mechanism is provided that is configured to generate reciprocating motion from the heat and gas so as to enable motion of the apparatus. Thereafter, at least a portion of the remaining heat and gas may be utilized to influence a motion characteristic of the apparatus, such as during flight. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for a multimodal electromechanical insect known as an entomopter. The entomopter is a species of micro air vehicle (MAV), which is defined as a flying vehicle having no dimension greater than 15 cm. The entomopter mimics the flight characteristics of an insect by flapping wings to generate lift. The entomopter's wings are powered by a reciprocating power source. The same power source may be used to power legs to enable the entomopter to crawl along the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a compact noncombustive engine known as a reciprocating chemical muscle (RCM).