Leonardo da Vinci designed an ornithopter, a mechanical bird-like machine intended to imitate flapping flight.
The word ornithopter comes from Greek roots meaning “bird” and “wing.” Leonardo studied birds extensively and sketched several devices with wings moved by mechanical linkages. In these designs, a human pilot would operate pedals, levers, or other mechanisms to drive the wings.
Leonardo recognized that human muscle power would probably be insufficient for sustained flapping flight. His studies nevertheless helped him investigate wing shape, balance, air movement, and the relationship between birds’ anatomy and flying machines. The designs remained concepts rather than proven aircraft.
An ornithopter is different from Leonardo’s aerial screw. The aerial screw aims at vertical lift through a rotating helical surface, while an ornithopter seeks lift and thrust through repeated wing strokes. It is also different from a glider, which relies on fixed wings and moving air rather than continuous mechanical flapping.