Flying Bird |
Description |
 |
A very complex design. Explaining the biplane canard. |
 |
|
 |
The strut and motor hook.
The flapping mechanism consists of a bent wire with a loop on one end where the rubber motor attaches, it threads through a hollow tube attached to the bird body, then makes two 90 degree turns before going through the strut arms that are attached to the wings. As the wire turns, the pivot point on the struts will be closer to first one wing then the other, causing them to flap.
Wings will flap asymmetrically. |
 |
The tail on this bird is attached with lightweight wire which is adjustable to affect flight. Metal may only be used on the flapping mechanism, wing hinges, and motor hooks. In this picture the metal is part of the back motor hook and is allowed in 2009. |
 |
This is a basic shape for wings and a tail that will produce fairly good results. This is the freebird plan from www.ornithopter.org |
 |
Another similar design for wing and tail shape, but a shorter body overall. Again, this is a variation of the freebird plan from www.ornithopter.org |
 |
Student design (when having a bird head was a bonus) |
 |
Another style of flapping mechanism. As this motor turns, it causes the bar that both wing struts are attached to to rise and fall evenly, since it is braced between 2 wooden pieces on the body of the bird.
Wings will flap in unison. |
 |
A bird that uses plastic film for wing covering. |
 |
Note the height on the body of this bird. |
 |
Another wing style. This is the seabird plan availabl from ornithopter.org |
 |
The launch is a crucial component to a successful flight. What works best for your bird? A gentle toss? Throwing it for all it's worth? What is a good launch angle? Does it work better to allow the bird to simply lift off from your hand? Practice, practice, practice!!! |
 |
|
 |
Closeup of flapping mechanism, centered in down position |
 |
Closeup of flapping mechanism, centered in up position |
 |
Closeup of tail hook |
 |
Closeup of flapping mechanism, motor shaft is rotated 90 degrees to left, making the left wing higher |
 |
Closeup of flapping mechanism, with both wings centered down |
 |
Closeup of biplane flapping mechanism |
 |
Closeup of biplane flapping mechanism |
 |
Closeup of biplane flapping mechanism |
 |
Closeup of biplane flapping mechanism |
 |
Closeup of biplane flapping mechanism |
|
