Abstract
The present study was carried out to develop highly efficient RC ornithopter 'Songgolmae' powered by motor and battery. Designed electric ornithopter, which has the dimension of O.88m(W)${\times}$0.56m(L)${\times}$0.15m(H), is smaller than a conventional ornithopter. This ornithopter weighs 277 grams and has 3 channels radio control. It runs on an electric motor by a lithium polymer battery and has a gear ratio of about 75${\sim}$95 to 1 to flap its 88 cm wingspan. The aerodynamic performance of the ornithopter, applied to a flapping motion only, was validated by flight tests. Flight times have exceeded 23 minutes until the battery was used up. The flight test results indicate that the ornithopter developed here has sufficient thrust to propel itself in a forward flight. From the economical point of view and the handling of the RC ornithopter, it can be said that the developed robot ornithopter is an effective RC ornithopter. This robot ornithopter flies its way high into the sky just like a real bird flies. The robot ornithopter is used for a wide range of missions.
