Spinny Bird - One Weird Aircraft

The road to Spinny Bird occured back a few years ago when I saw Veritasium's demonstration of the Magnus effect.From there I started watching videos of other aircraft that used the magnus effect and had to make one.

Youtube videos posted by tyoukogatalabo were a big inspiration for the flap style "wing" I eventually used and modified. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAqLyyg2AHk

Andy Kinsman was of great help sharing his flip wing kite advice -  http://sciencephotography.com/andy/index.htm

Flash forward to a few months ago, I got a 3D printed and I wanted to get this project out of my head. For some reason many, if not all of the magnus aircraft I saw online had powered rotors, or nonpowered rotors. I thought why not go in-between and use the prop wash? This would mean a high motor con figuration above the paddle which quickly had the design looking like a bird.

The prototype bird had a similiar overall design but was underpowered. I needed more power and more room to work with. I experimented with two paddle designs, but ended up with a simple flat design.

 Prototype

The "final" version which was completed at Flite Fest was designed in CAD (which I live during my day job) and used 3-D printed parts from my FT-5 3D printer.

Spinny bird maidened discretly at the East end of the flight line Friday night, and had it's more sucessful 3rd flight on Saturday. I had atleast 3-4 people asking me questions after each flight, and must have had my picture taken 50 times with the bird. It was nice talking to you all, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

In all the excitment of Flite Fest, I was too busy to film my own aircraft. If you have any footage or pics, feel free to share!

Pros -HUGE Attention Getter. After I shot my video review a family cameover to check it out. That never happens when I fly my normal r/c planes. Slow, somewhat forgiving, adorable and funny lookin.                                                                         Cons - Power hog, Slow, delicate, needs low winds, will fall like brick without power, and no real aerobatic capabilities.

Meet Spinny Bird!