Allen
R. Allen
Contents
History
Policeman Richard "Bobby" Allen, of Bradford, Yorkshire, built a "bicycle" ornithopter in 1908. Unsurprisingly, the machine refused to fly.
Company References
- British Aircraft Before The Great War, Michael H. Goodall and Albert E. Tagg (Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 2001)
Project Data
| Project No | Type No | Name | Alternative Name(s) | Year | Spec (Requirement) | Status | Qty | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ornithopter | 1908 | Pro(n) | 1 | 1S "bicycle" ornithopter | 1 |
Project References
- British Aircraft Before The Great War, Michael H. Goodall and Albert E. Tagg (Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 2001)
Production Details and Type Description
Ornithopter
Three pairs of beating wings, of bamboo structure, were fitted to a bicycle. A belt passing over the rims of the cycle wheels operated pulleys and cranks on top of the structure provided the beating motion. A tall rectangular fin and rudder were mounted at the front.
Three pairs of beating wings, of bamboo structure, were fitted to a bicycle. A belt passing over the rims of the cycle wheels operated pulleys and cranks on top of the structure provided the beating motion. A tall rectangular fin and rudder were mounted at the front.
Total Allen Production1