Leonardo da Vinci inspired glider

thingiverse

I designed this glider for a short workshop at a young university aimed at 11 to 14 year olds. It's inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's flying machines, but I kept things simple despite being new to aerodynamics. Even so, the glider flies surprisingly well and is missing only one thing: a vertical tail wing that would stabilize flight. To make it more fun, I added a gondola where kids can add their favorite toy figure that flies right alongside the glider. You can learn more about this project on my blog at https://regendrogenbogen.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/flugmaschine-nach-den-entwuerfen-von-leonardo-da-vinci-flying-machine-inspired-by-the-designs-of-leonardo-da-vinci/. If you don't have access to a laser cutter, I've also posted this kit on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DaVinciModelShop. Instructions: Step 0: Cutting the Parts Cut all the wooden parts from 4mm plywood sheets. You can pick any fabric for the wings as long as it's slightly elastic - a rough woven one looks pretty good to me! Step 1: Assemble the Wings Begin with the wing assembly, which should be put together like you see in this picture below. It works best if you place two spars on a flat surface (like a table) and then attach the ribs, extending beyond its edge so they can go further down when needed. Step 2: Make the Center of the Wing Just glue four pieces together - easy peasy like shown below! Step 3: Attach the Gondola You only need to put two curved parts together, attach floorboards with precise cuts for spacing, and you're good to go. Step 4: Build the Fuselage Get the long fuselage piece into the gondola, secure it with glue, then attach the rear wing as seen below.