Ornithopters from Nathan Chronister

An "ornithopter" is a device that imitates the flapping-wing flight of birds. Ornithopters were flown successfully in the 1870s. However, most ornithopters to date used a simple crank mechanism for flapping the wings. This doesn't allow much control over how the wings move. The new system of the S1 Robotic Bird mimics the nervous system and muscles of a real bird, allowing total control over the wing movements. The wings move indepently for steering, and they can go to a level position for gliding whenever desired.

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This is the Crossbow radio controlled, flapping wing aircraft developed by Nathan Chronister. The Crossbow has a fiberglass fuselage and a unique, high-efficiency wing. The video demonstrates the performance in both flapping and gliding flight.

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This is the Crossbow radio controlled ornithopter developed by Nathan Chronister. The Crossbow has a fiberglass fuselage and a unique, high-efficiency wing. The video demonstrates the performance in both flapping and gliding flight. This new video also shows how you can build your own ornithopter using the crossbow gearbox and wings.

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Mini Servo-Powered Ornithopters developed by Nathan Chronister.

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The bird-tail version of the Crossbow RC ornithopter. This model designed by Nathan Chronister has a 68 inch wingspan and uses 3-axis gyroscopic stabilization.

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The Gryphon is a unique mechanical bird that you build yourself from a kit. The Gryphon flies entirely by flapping wings. Based on the original design by Nathan Chronister, it's easy to build, and unlike some poorly-made imitations, the Gryphon actually does fly.

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