What's all the flap about?(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)

From: Machine Design | Date: September 28, 2006 | Copyright information

Aeronautical engineer James DeLaurier's one-seat ornithopter recently flapped its way into the air (with a boost from a small jet engine), climbed about 3 ft above the ground, and sustained flight for 1,200 ft and 14 sec. The craft returned to the runway and tipped over onto its nose, damaging the gear, apparently the result of crosswinds. Still beating the Wright Brothers' first ...

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UPDATES
; Ornithopter up Fulfilling a dream begun 20 years ago, James DeLaurier's ornithopter, dubbed the "Flapper," achieved sustained flight for a brief 14 seconds in July. An ornithopter is an aircraft that flies by flapping its wings. Until now, no...