Ornithopter aircraft made by Emiel Hartman, Cranfield
Mar. 31 Mr. Emiel Hartman Producer The Ornithopter'. the 8 Bird The Bird-Man: Mr. Emiel Hartman a 39-year-old London sculptor has produced the World's first man powered aircraft - the ornithopter, after two years of planning. It has been having its first tests - by being towed along the jet runway at the college of Aeronautics airfield at Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The machine has feathered bird-like wings which help to obtain both lift and forward speed. The production of the aircraft which has a 36 ft. wing span is one of the best kept aviation secrets since the war, It has cost Mr. Hartman more than, 000. If he can keep his craft in the air for more than 100 yards without losing height - and experts believe he can - Mr. Hartman will be the first true birdman in the world. Photo shows View of the strange looking craft at Cranfield today - showing one of the bird-like Wings - and cockpit
