Project Ornithopter
From SolidBest
Project Ornithopter - Or·ni·thop·ter /ôrn-thptr/ noun An aircraft that derives all of its thrust and nearly all of its lift from flapping wings. In addition, an ornithopter retains 'bird like' characteristics such as its main wing in front and its stabilizing surfaces aft.
The purpose of this project is to achieve humanity's oldest aeronautical dream: flight with mechanical flapping wings. Many early aircraft concepts assumed that such imitation of birds and bats was the proper design direction. However, the challenge of achieving both efficient lift and thrust with flapping wings was far greater than simply using the wings for lift and providing thrust with a separate propulsor. This notion, first articulated by Sir George Cayley in 1799, provided the template for successful mechanical flight from the Wright Brothers to this day.