I built a model similar to the Velocipede Arien (the one on top). It was able to hover. Has anyone experimented with wings like this, coming to a point at the root?

Here's an article dated 12-3-04, dealing with professor James Delaurier's bold attempts in designing a man-carrying ornithopter. Flight tests were to begin in april, a quick websearch revealed no follow-up stories on whether it flew or not. http://news.com.com/The+wings+on+thi...tml?tag=st.num
Pic1, shows a runway test of the 750 pound craft. Judging by wingtip deflection, the ornithopter is in downstroke mode. Pic2 I assume, is the current team in charge of flight and maintainance.

Pic3, is a tailess ornithopter based on sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. As for the same reasons outlined in post #5, this design would not fly either.

In the background same pic, is da Vinci's 1483 parachute design.

Hello Willi,
Pic 1 was taken when I was still the test pilot....that's me in the cockpit ! Pic 2 could be the current team or could have been taken anytime in the last 2 or 3 years. I only recognize 3 people ! Dr Delaurier [standing beside the cockpit] Bruce Fenton [Chief Field Engineer] in the cockpit and Jim Merrit [in the yellow shirt] who built the aft fuselage and also the new cockpit after the crash.
The www.ornithopter.info website was listing June 18 and 19 for tests but then that was changed to June 24 and 26. Last time I checked it was still listing those dates so I don't know whether they did any testing then or not.
Cheers,
Patricia

Hello Patricia,
Looking at post #12 pic1, was their ever any discussion on putting a flap/spoiler on the center wing section of the craft to reduce pilot heave?

I would think near TDC, the control surface could be deflected down as a flap (adding lift), near BDC, deflected up as a spoiler (reducing lift).
A control surface 12" wide by the center sections' width and the craft approaching 60 MPH, should be a very effective anti-heave device.

What do you think? Willi

Hello Willi,
No, there was never any discussion on modifying the centre-section in the way that you suggest but it seems like a good idea to me and well worth trying.
Cheers,
Patricia

Here's my latest collection of smaller ornithopters, the yellow/blk tandem wing and red winger were purchased from Nathan. The Fly is actually a hard-plastic-body- mobil which strobed out to a flap rate of 6hz. Despite the batten-less wing design, the mobil puts out a surprizing amount of thrust by means of wing sail bellowing,,, I wonder if putting a few battens' parallel with the wing spar would increase the thrust output?
Anyways, I'll try to get some flying pictures of the other ones as soon as the weather permits.

Nice pics Wmueller10, love the fly. My ornithopter is based on a combination of insect and hummingbird flight. But I can not show any pics of it as yet waiting on a patent. Here is something that is simular to what I am doing and has inspired me, hopefully it can do the same for someone else. This is a lego man with wings but no tail section if the lego man was about six feet tall the dimensions would be pretty close to my project.

Yes, some of these flapping winged toys are inspirational, hopefully someone will make a RC fly one day.

I have been following your piloted ornithopter thread and based on what you've told us so far. You will have a 6 foot high, 14' wingspan, 15hz, hovering ornithopter. May I ask exactly how your going to affix a V-tail on this craft?

Based on your wing plan form, scaled in at 6' by 2.5', This is what we have so far.

Non-related,,, I've noticed your acronym/initials' alternate between HP and HB, what is your first name please. Willi

Your numbers are correct Willi, but hovering is my ulimate goal, flight first. My wing area and span will remain the same but my wing design is ever changing. The whole system is like a strap on spine the V- tail will extend about three feet past the heal. I would have to post a drawing tomorrow to show the correct placement. The tail section is actually the easy part of the project the best wing design is what is slowing me. It took me only 2 1/2 months to invent and build a drive system for the wings.
Yes I usually sign off with the H.P. which means Hummingbird Project the H.B. was a typo.
Later, Ronn is my first name.

Sorry I could not give a more detailed drawing, but you can get an idea of what I am trying to do. The strap on spine will consist of the wings, V-tail and drive system. If I can keep my wing weight down to 5lbs or under each the spine should be about 35 - 45 lbs max.

H.P