Aircraft [Adams Ornithopter]
Maker and role
Ron Adams, Maker
Production date
1966
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Object detail
Accession number
1978.374
Maker
Production period
Description
"Tip Flapper" monoplane operated by foot pedals attached to nylon straps with pulleys operating against the pull of rubber straps which, in turn, make the wings flap. Aircraft private prototype - pedal power, MPF on tail - clear plastic, balsa and aluminium. Spar spruce between balsa skins - ribs - balsa. Fuselage - dual tubing. Controls - rudder and all moving tailplane. Two spare propeller blades. Laminated wood with metal tube end to attach to hub. Blade is thicker at one end and curved.
Brief History
The construction of this aircraft started during February 1966 when Ron Adams, based in England, attempted to build a human-powered aircraft which was light and strong enough to compete for the Kremer Prize. The Kremer Prize was a flying competition with award money of $10,000. The course was a figure-eight, and a one mile distance had to be completed to be in with a chance to win.
Two years later, Ron Adams had emigrated to New Zealand, bringing his Ornithopter. This aircraft was built initially as an Ornithopter (flapping wing) in 1966, and modified to its present form in 1972/73. Although it was never flown, an airspeed of nearly 30 kilometres per hour was attained with the variable pitch propeller during trials at Whenuapai mid-1973. Despite the trials sustained flight was not achieved and the project was abandoned when it became apparent that the wing area was insufficient and airfoil wrong for slow flying.
Two years later, Ron Adams had emigrated to New Zealand, bringing his Ornithopter. This aircraft was built initially as an Ornithopter (flapping wing) in 1966, and modified to its present form in 1972/73. Although it was never flown, an airspeed of nearly 30 kilometres per hour was attained with the variable pitch propeller during trials at Whenuapai mid-1973. Despite the trials sustained flight was not achieved and the project was abandoned when it became apparent that the wing area was insufficient and airfoil wrong for slow flying.
Marks
SPARE PROP / ADAMS /PEDAL MACHINE Hand-written
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Ron Adams. 1966. Aircraft [Adams Ornithopter], 1978.374. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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