The end of runways? Watch the incredible 'perching plane' that can land like a bird

Drone makers have pulled inspiration from nature for their latest design – a drone that makes perched landings like a bird. Researchers combined a morphing wing drone and machine learning algorithms to create a system that lets the machine perform perched landings on the ground. The fixed wing aircraft also has the ability to land in small or confined places, which could be used to deliver aid in humanitarian disasters. Researchers combined a morphing wing drone and machine learning algorithms to create a system that lets the machine perform perched landings on the ground. Researchers from the University of Bristol and BMT Defence Services have designed a drone that make perched landings like a bird.