Leonardo's drawing of an ornithopter (aircraft that operates by flapping its wings). From 1485 Leonardo studied the flight of birds. He realised that

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Leonardo's drawing of an ornithopter (aircraft that operates by flapping its wings). From 1485 Leonardo studied the flight of birds. He realised that humans are too heavy to fly by means of wings attached to their arms. He therefore went on to propose and sketch this ornithopter. The aviator lies prone on the platform of the machine and operates two large membranous wings by means of cords and levers so that they move through the air. Codex Atlanticus

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Size: 4775px × 3700px
Photo credit: © SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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