Upenieks Oscillocopter
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| Oscillocopter | |
|---|---|
 Side view of the Oscillocopter 1 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Human-powered aircraft |
| National origin | Australia |
| Manufacturer | Harijs Upenieks |
| Number built | 3 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1970s |
The Oscillocopter was the name given to a series of human-powered ornithopters designed and built by Harijs Upenieks in the 1970s.
Upenieks, based in Western Australia, developed a design concept for ornithopters, where power supplied by a pilot would work in concert with sets of elastic bungees in order to create a harmonic oscillating motion of the wings.[1] The pilot was to apply motion to hinged wings by pulling directly on flying wires that connected the wing-spar to a pivoted strut which was worked by the pilot's legs. Three sets of bungees – one located above the wings, the second below them, and the third to the pivoted strut – were intended to provide a balanced power system, and work in sympathy with the pilot's efforts. Upenieks believed his concept would work best with the hang glider-style of aircraft.[2]
Articles, he authored, detailing his ideas appeared in the Royal Aeronautical Society's Aeronautical Journal and in the Australian Flying magazine.[2][3] In 1971 he applied for an Australian patent, with AU4473672A being granted in 1974.[4]
Oscillocopter 1
Built in 1972, the ornithopter was a high-wing canard monoplane. It spanned 14 m (46 ft) and weighed 85 kg (187 lb).[5] The pilot was located underneath the wing, in a seated position, and was able to actuate the wings by manipulating cables connecting the wing-spar to a pivoted undercarriage strut.
A long curved boom formed the basis of the fuselage, with the fore-plane attached to front, and a single all-moving tailfin located to the rear. The wings had aluminum tube spars, ribs of curved bamboo battens, and were covered by two layers of paper tissue applied either side of a nylon fishing net. The fore-plane was made of two independently controlled panels, an approach inspired by the 1923 Platz glider, and which were controlled by two twist grips fitted to a control bar.[5]
Testing took place at Witchcliffe, Western Australia.[5] According to Upenieks, there was "abundant enthusiasm but a lack of everything else".[3] The lack of lateral control, along with difficulty balancing on a single wheel undercarriage made testing problematic. Additionally construction issues led to the main boom of the fuselage failing, and to the craft being abandoned.[5]
Oscillocopter 2
Upenieks' second design was of conventional configuration, with it having a cruciform tail. The wing spars were made from aluminium yacht mast blanks, with the wing covering made from Dacron sail material. The aircraft spanned 43.75 ft (13.34 m) and had a wing area of 245 sq ft (22.8 m2).[5] Tests conducted with the craft tethered against prevailing winds showed that a wind speed of 15 km/h (9.3 mph) allowed the craft to lift off the ground, though with the operators legs still on the ground. Difficulties in controlling the aircraft resulted in the tail being replaced with V-tail design, with each panel of the tail being individually controlled. During testing, a gust of wind damaged the aircraft beyond reasonable repair.[5]
