[KaiMartin]

Just came across this Otto von Lilienthal documentary by German public broadcast in 1989. The emphasis is on the path with that led Otto to his famous gliders. The construction was not invented from thin air but was a mixture of learning from birds, years experimental aerodynamics, and a good portion of practical experience.

The youtube teaser image shows a Lilienthal actor operating a replica of an ornithopter contraption -- one of the early trials to produce lift. But see for yourself:



The video is German only with no subtitles. The video works mainly with re-enacted scenes, which may be comprehensible even without the narrator. (I can provide translation when needed.)

---<)kaimartin(>---

[ARP]

Kai,

The Lilienthal "actor" is Bernd Lukasch, Director of the Otto Lilienthal Museum. The Museum is in Anklam, the birthplace of Lilienthal, and more information can be found here:- http://www.lilienthal-museum.de/olma/eotto.htm

Stephan Nitsch built many of the gliders on display in the museum, details of which are on his web site:- http://www.liederknechte.de/jumpnfly/ni.htm

Tony

[Bill Cummings]

Just came across this Otto von Lilienthal documentary by German public broadcast in 1989. The emphasis is on the path with that led Otto to his famous gliders. The construction was not invented from thin air but was a mixture of learning from birds, years experimental aerodynamics, and a good portion of practical experience.

The youtube teaser image shows a Lilienthal actor operating a replica of an ornithopter contraption -- one of the early trials to produce lift. But see for yourself:



The video is German only with no subtitles. The video works mainly with re-enacted scenes, which may be comprehensible even without the narrator. (I can provide translation when needed.)

---<)kaimartin(>---

At 5:59 into the video it looks to me as though the actor is facing the rear of his flying wing.
Look at the way the louvers (slats) relieve themselves on the up beat of the wing. Wouldn’t that direct the flow of air in the direction that the actor is facing? Wouldn't this impede movement in the direction the actor is facing?

[brianscharp]

At 5:59 into the video it looks to me as though the actor is facing the rear of his flying wing.

Me too.

[ARP]

The scene shows an experiment to see how much upward lift can be generated using flapping wings on a static rig. As there is no intention to move from the spot it makes little difference which way round the "pilot" is facing.

[Bob Kuczewski]

It's August .... time to start thinking about next year's Otto Meet yet?

[Frank Colver]

Yes! And now it can be sponsored by the Friends of Dockweiler Gliding Societyy.

Frank

[Bob Kuczewski]

Yes! And now it can be sponsored by the Friends of Dockweiler Gliding Societyy.

Super idea Frank!!!!    Maybe it could be co-sponsored by the US Hawks as well.   

[JoeF]

... under the training auspices of Windsports ...
under the constraints of the recreational training insurance umbrella of Windsports ???

[Frank Colver]

Joe, that's how it was this year. Except it was Bob & US Hawks that was the sponsor and paid Windsports for the day and use of their guys & equipment. It would be the same except FDGS would replace Bob/Hawks in that position. Since there are no dues, several of us would have to contribute to cover the cost. I'm willing to participate in that.

Frank