Navy Research Lab develops cheap “swarm” glider mini-drones

At the Department of Defense’s “Lab Day” last week at the Pentagon, scientists from the Naval Research Laboratory unveiled the world’s smallest spy drone yet: a tiny, intelligent glider called the “Cicada.” More formally known as the Covert Autonomous Disposable Aircraft, the Cicada is intended (like its namesake) to be deployed in large swarms—and to expire when its mission is complete.