What Modern Toy Company Has Created a Functional Bird-Inspired Flying Machine?

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In summary: Not really. In order to build a propeller [barring blind luck] one must understand the physics of a wing. If you want to build a propeller, you need to understand the physics of a wing.
  • #1
Evo
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LEONARDO DA VINCI’S 15th-century vision of mechanical flight apparently never included fixed wings assisted by propellers or jet engines. His chief inspiration was birds, reflected in drawings of a flying machine fashioned to stay aloft by flapping its wings.

More than 500 years later, WowWee, a robotics and entertainment products company, shares that vision. Next month, it plans to release a mass-produced, functional ornithopter, a device that flies in birdlike fashion — in this case, a radio-controlled toy that mechanically flaps its Mylar wings."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/t...em&ex=1171170000&en=07ceee3fb88de8df&ei=5087
 
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  • #2
Evo said:
LEONARDO DA VINCI’S 15th-century vision of mechanical flight apparently never included fixed wings assisted by propellers or jet engines.

:smile: I love that sentence. Leonardo was very clever but apparently his intelligence never went as far as inventing the propeller or jet engine.

Nice toy :smile:. Good to see some of his inventions being used for real.
 
  • #3
Kurdt said:
:smile: I love that sentence. Leonardo was very clever but apparently his intelligence never went as far as inventing the propeller or jet engine.
His bird inspired flying machines aren't the only story. Almost a propeller:

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/Leo-copter.jpg
 
  • #4
The real deal
 
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  • #5
zoobyshoe said:
Almost a propeller:

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/Leo-copter.jpg

Not really. In order to build a propeller [barring blind luck] one must understand the physics of a wing.

It is interesting to note that boomerangs are a wing. In a sense, the Australian Aborigines were one up on Leonardo and the Wright Brothers.
 
  • #6
Ivan Seeking said:
The real deal


Interesting but not particularly graceful. :eek:

zoobyshoe said:
His bird inspired flying machines aren't the only story. Almost a propeller:

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/Leo-copter.jpg

I think that was based more on the archimedes screw than a propeller as Ivan said. I meant only to comment sarcastically on the modern age than to insult Leonardo's intelligence, as the aforementioned sentence seems to imply his lack of insight into propellers and jet engines as a lack of creativity. Its kind of like saying yeah well Newton was good but that Albert really showed him up. Just find it funny :smile:
 
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FAQ: What Modern Toy Company Has Created a Functional Bird-Inspired Flying Machine?

What kind of toys would Leonardo have made?

Leonardo da Vinci was known for his innovative and imaginative mind, so it is likely that he would have created a wide variety of toys. Some possibilities include mechanical toys, puzzles, and games.

Would his toys have been based on his inventions?

It is possible that some of Leonardo's toys would have been inspired by his inventions, as he was known for his engineering and design skills. However, he may have also created entirely new and unique toys.

How would Leonardo's toys have been different from toys today?

Leonardo lived during the Renaissance period, so his toys would have been made with materials and techniques that were available at the time. They may have also had a more educational or practical purpose, rather than just being for entertainment.

Would Leonardo's toys have been expensive?

As a highly skilled and sought-after artist and inventor, Leonardo's toys may have been considered luxury items and therefore more expensive. However, he may have also created simpler and more affordable toys as well.

How would his toys have impacted society during his time?

It is difficult to say for certain, but Leonardo's toys may have been seen as a symbol of his intellect and creativity. They may have also inspired others to think outside the box and create their own inventions and toys.

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