All my life I've had an interest in ornithopters, owned a couple cheap kits, always thought somebody could do MUCH better.
Been poking around the ol' interwebs the past couple of days, looking for kits or premades or even parts & pieces to make one. The choices are disappointing, to say the least.
Here's the best I've found ($580!!!):
http://www.carbonsail.com/Ornithopter.html
What's it missing?
* Feathers -- ideally artificial feathers made of some light mylar material that allows airflow in one direction and blocks it in the other
* Articulated wing -- natural flapping motion requires a hinge in the middle of the wing so it contracts on upstroke and extends on the downstroke
* Ability to glide or ride thermals
* Large enough wingspan -- at least 3 feet, ideally twice that -- to be able to carry a payload like a camera or an RC controller
* Carbon fiber frame, hollow
* Ability to trim wings and tail in response to onboard gyro -- could a smartphone gyro be used?
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