Home > Transportation > Aeroplanes
First design for an ornithopter showing the flappers
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
First design for an ornithopter showing the flappers
First design for an ornithopter, showing the flappers in the down-position and the counterpoises (above) in the up-position. 1808. From Cayleys original notebook
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 9894273
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10841840
1808 Cayley Cayleys First Flappers Notebook Ornithopter Position
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Royal Aeronautical Society
> Photographic
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "First Ornithopter Design by Cayley: Flappers in Down-position and Counterpoises in Up-position (1808)" This image showcases the first recorded design for an ornithopter, as meticulously documented by the British mathematician and engineer, Sir George Cayley. The ornithopter, an early precursor to modern aircraft, is depicted in this sketch with its flappers in the down-position and counterpoises in the up-position. Cayley, a pioneer in the field of aviation, was a visionary who foresaw the potential of flying machines. In 1804, he published his groundbreaking work, "Aerial Navigation," where he outlined the fundamental principles of aircraft design, including the concept of the fixed-wing airplane and the helicopter. However, it was in this 1808 design that he focused on the ornithopter, which mimics the flapping motion of birds' wings. The flappers, located at the wingtips, are designed to move up and down in a synchronized fashion, generating lift and propelling the machine forward. The counterpoises, positioned above the flappers, serve as a counterbalance, allowing for efficient and effective wing movement. This intriguing design marks a significant milestone in the history of aviation, as it represents one of the earliest attempts to harness the power of nature and mimic the flight of birds using mechanical means. Cayley's innovative ideas laid the foundation for the development of heavier-than-air flight, paving the way for the creation of the first successful airplanes and aeroplanes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This print, taken from Cayley's original notebook, offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a visionary inventor and the early days of aviation history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
