Monday, April 22, 2013

Dragon Copter


(Video link) Festo has built a working model ornithopter called a BionicOpter. Like the dragonfly it is based on, it can fly in all directions, hover in mid-air, and glide. 

I have always been fascinated by the idea of dragonfly ornithopters. Here is Arthur Denison's steam-powered dragoncopter from Dinotopia: The World Beneath (1995). Even though the dragonfly is a very ancient design, it's one of the most agile fliers among insects.

(link to video) The aerodynamics are suggested in this computer simulation from Wright State University.
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Thanks, Luke Davis 
Previously on GJ: 
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6 comments:

  1. RobNonStopApril 22, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Amazing Slow Motion video of Damselfly accidentally recorded: http://youtu.be/dOyc98tV5kA

    They are similar to Dragonflies but have somewhat different eyes and wings.

    ReplyDelete
  2. P.T. WaughApril 22, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    This made me think of The World Beneath. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sRlFQLwg3w

    ReplyDelete
  3. James GurneyApril 22, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Awesome! Thanks for these cool links.

    ReplyDelete
  4. jeff jordanApril 22, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    That's GREAT! Now if he could just adapt it to steam power............

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJanuary 12, 2016 at 8:45 AM

    What do you say abaut this https://www.facebook.com/DragonCopter

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJanuary 12, 2016 at 8:46 AM

    Interesting https://www.facebook.com/DragonCopter

    ReplyDelete

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