On Tue, 2004-11-30 at 13:32, Kittel, Stephen W (ETSA) wrote: > I am sure I'll be shot down real quick on this one. > > Isn't there a theoretical limit to how big an ornithopter can be? > Memory seems to say 10-11 kg. The reason why big birds rather soar > than flap.
I seem to recall something about this being related to the max power/weight ration of bird. Watching a large albatross take off certainly suggests that they are close to the practical limit in size. This however does not apply to a motorised ornithopter, where the power/weight ratio can be very much higher than that of flesh & blood. -- Robert Hart [EMAIL PROTECTED] +61 (0)438 385 533 Brisbane, Australia http://www.hart.wattle.id.au _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
