Moscow engineers Vladimir Vlasov and Sergey Kolpakov developed a rotary ornithopter. In this unusual aircraft, the wings not only rotate, but also change the angle of attack directly during movement.
The design is based on segmented wings that rotate 90° during rotor rotation. Due to this, the element alternately works both as a supporting surface and as a profile with minimal resistance.
Two rotors rotate in opposite directions, forming a continuous lifting force without the characteristic thrust "dips" inherent in classical flapping schemes.
In one part of the cycle, the segment creates lift, and in the other, it passes in a position of minimal resistance, reducing energy loss.
According to the description of the development, this scheme allows for more efficient use of each rotation section and reduces the proportion of the "non-working" phase of movement.
The engineers emphasized that the final lifting force depends on the area, geometry, and number of wing segments.