Erich von Holst Ornithopter Video

Historic footage of Erich von Holst ornithopters (flapping-wing aircraft) constructed in the 1930s. Also includes slow motion footage of bird flight and Holst's unusual "thrust-wing" concept.

[@OrnithopterZone1]

I believe the tail's dihedral design prevents the aircraft from rolling. Both wings are actively driven through some kind of coaxial drive shaft. You could use the reaction torque to drive the second set of wings, but that would cause some other problems that would have to be overcome.

[@pendox99]

Nathan......wow! I had not seen this footage before...the thrust-wing was especially intriguing...I guess I'll have to find ome time to try to build one of those!

[@gaboradorjan6297]

These are the best of all time,no better pioneer than Eric von Holst in this theme.NASA and all expensive modern scientific attempt is still silly beside the works of Eric.

[@gnamp]

'rubber'-powered models, not "rubber 'powered' models".

[@kbakhurin]

thanks

[@budsiskos]

yes, i too found the thrust wing very interesting. please reply if you find any plans for one

[@mordoringer]

the thrust wing is a very interesting concept! can anyone explain how it works?

[@BoraceOK]

Some of these were built with my father, the aerodynamicist Dietrich Küchemann

[@OrnithopterZone1]

I would like to hear more. Did he ever tell you much about the work that he did on these ornithopters?

[@BoraceOK]

They were close friends. I don't think he worked on them much. He once spoke of the incredible strength and elasticity of the muscles of flying insects, necessary because the wings had to move back and forth - they couldn't rotate. He thought that that kind of (sustained) power was beyond humans - ie he had no belief in man-powered flight.

[@StudioEyeball]

Where did the footage come from? I would love to see more!

[@leonardodaridis]

very good