Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Swallowtail Ornithopter

This flying butterfly is not only art, but science as well.

This model was developed by Japanese researchers to study the Swallowtail's method of flight. Where other types of birds and butterflies utilize aerodynamic properties to achieve lift and control, the Swallowtail relies on a flat wing, large relative to its body size to get off the ground. Duplicating the Swallowtail's structure in the model proved that a simple flapping motion could duplicate its method of flight. Read more about the study and watch a video of the model in flight. LINK