CICADA (Close-In Covert Autonomous Disposable Aircraft) is a low-cost, GPS-guided, unpowered micro glider developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory since 2006. Released from an airborne platform, it glides silently to a waypoint to deliver miniature sensor payloads, and can be deployed in swarms.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Price | USD ~250 per unit (production target) |
| Subtype | Disposable micro glider UAV |
| Role | Disposable sensor-delivery glider |
| Classification | Micro disposable glider UAV |
| Mission | Sensor seeding, Covert reconnaissance, Atmospheric/weather research |
| Variants | CICADA Mk series |
| MTOW (kg) | 0.065 |
| Operators | US Naval Research Laboratory |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Propulsion | Unpowered glider (no propulsion) |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Government/research, not exported |
| Launch method | Air-launched from carrier platform |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous GPS-guided glide to waypoint |
| Recovery method | None (disposable, glides to ground) |
| Year introduced | 2006 |
| Standard sensors | GPS, MEMS pressure sensors, Modular payloads |
| Production status | Research / prototype |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Delivery / logistics, Research |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – nano/micro (<0.01 m²) |
| Threat vector | Smuggling / payload delivery, Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Micro (<2 kg), FAA <250 g |