Ornithopter VTOL experiments

First test did not go well, even a slight wind would carry the craft down range. Only good news was after several rough landings, the craft stayed together to fly another day.
Not enough flight time to figure the controls out. Maybe a bigger flying field is in order.

One interesting note; a gradual flap rate increase would not gain alot of altitude opposed to a sudden burst flap rate to maximum, in which the craft climbed at a rapid pace.
Possibly,,, a gradual flap rate increase creates a downwash around the 4 wings, resulting in lower wing thrust opposed to a high flap rate started in clean air, which temporarily has more traction.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Science
• flapping wing
• ornithopter
• experiment
• helium balloon
• vtol

[Erbalite]

Ornithopter 3d plane Are you using any gyros for the control surfaces?

[wmueller10]

To date, none of my flapping winged craft needed gyros for stabilization.

I have installed a prop on the Vtol craft and am waiting for a calm day for test flight. I hope the CG is far enough aft so no gyros are needed for flight.

[stihl888]

Wow, watch those powerlines next time!

[wmueller10]

You noticed it.

I'm not sure if I'll use the helium' again. I think a vertical propeller might be less susceptible to wind, though it will produce some torque issues. It may be the only way I can test those control paddles to see if they can control the ornithopter.

[VTOLKits]

Great Idea!