The U.S. defense community is turning to a new source for its next generation of UAVs: Youtube.
According to National Journal, The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is asking for designs and feedback for a new generation of small UAVs via online video.
And the government agencies are not just relying on patriotism to drum up submissions. Whomever top designer gets a $100,000 prize and fabrication of up to 15 copies of the project. You can "like" and "dislike" different submissions on the contest website.
Below, watch a DARPA concept video for small UAVs, and then some of the most "liked" videos, which come from around the world and include live action and videogame-like animations:
DARPA concept video:
First test flight of an italian (UAV) model:
Skyeye Team Entry to DARPA UAVFORGE.net Challenge:
Mini Panther UAV Flight demo:
Dashka UAV Hexarotor:
And of course, the Hexa-copter:
(h/t National Journal)