STODDART ornithopter (J. Stoddart, Eltham, Kent)

   Nothing is known of this device, which probably dates from 19079, other than what can be deduced from the photograph of the machine undergoing tests, while hanging from the roof of a shed. It will be seen to consist of a tubular structure, incorporating cycle pedal gear, driving through various linkages to open and close the vanes in the 'wings'. The vanes were presumably intended to provide thrust as they moved, and lift when closed. No doubt the machine had still to be completed, or perhaps was just a ground test device, to establish the feasibility of the design.