The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies’ manned ornithopter has achieved 15s of flight at an altitude above 3ft (1m), staying aloft for a distance of about 300m.
The single-pilot ornithopter is a purpose-built experimental aircraft with a mass of 350kg (770lb). The piston-powered vehicle, which also has a small jet booster, was first built and tested for the Institute’s Project Ornithopter in 1999.
Almost all of its thrust and nearly all of its lift is created by the mechanical flapping of its wings. The two wings are joined by a centre section that is moved up and down by pylons connected to the drive train. The wings also passively twist in response to the flapping.
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| Nearly all of the ornithopter's lift is created by the flapping of its wings |
Source: Flight International