Traditional planes rely on fast wind speeds to generate lift over their wings and allow them to stay aloft. This would allow these very small aircraft to fly within buildings, for example. To change directions, Englar's model uses fluidics devices to control the stream of exhaust. In simplified terms, to turn to the left, the amount of exhaust is increased out of the right wing or reduced from the left. To lift or lower the craft, the quantity of exhaust is manipulated.
More exhaust exiting equally through both wings makes the aircraft fly much slower.
This technology may be used in micro air vehicles. Robert Michelson, also a GTRI principal research engineer, was inspired by insects for his design. As an added plus, the RCM can generate electricity, which could be used to power sensors for directional or mission purposes. At such a small scale, every piece of the microflyer has to perform double, or even triple, duty. For example, a radio antenna could also be used as a stabilizer for navigation while the legs could double as receptacles for fuel storage and for adjusting the entomopter's weight and balance during flight.