
3 1 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 23cm
Description
This design, with stirrups, was first proposed about 1486. As its name implied, the Ornithopter incorporated a bird-like flapping mechanism. Experiments proved that human muscles and our power to weight ratio prevented imitation of bird flight by effort alone.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10216062
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library