Spread Your Wings with the Cybird

Although we have featured a number of remote controlled aircraft and helicopters in Thoughts from the Sidelines there can be no doubt that this device, manufactured by the South Korean company Neuros, is a little different from your standard flying model as it is neither a plane nor a helicopter.

No, the Cybird is exactly what you would expect it to be in that it is a remotely piloted bird, complete with flapping wings, which is real enough in nature to be all too readily identified as being one of their own by its real, feathered counterparts – though the welcome extended to this curious beast is not always especially hospitable, as can be seen in the video featured below.

Powered by two small servo motors, the 15 inch Cybird can fly for between eight and ten minutes on a single charge of its on-board battery (this time can be extended by gliding) and, due to its inherent stability, it is claimed to be far easier to fly than conventional model aircraft.

Why not get a few of these and give some unsuspecting person an
unforgettable Alfred Hitchcock moment?

Cleverly, as the Cybird uses its wings for propulsion as well as lift, just like a real bird, it is versatile enough to be hand launched and, with a little practice, can even be caught at the end of its flying time which, on account of the fact that it can glide equally well, is not wholly reliant on a continuous stream of power from its motors. And, interestingly, unlike any real birds I have ever seen, the Cybird is also capable of aerobatic manoeuvres.

You can see a brief video of the Cybird in action in the clip provided below (click on the image to stream, or the link to download). You’ll note that it seems to be attracting some attention from its warm blooded counterparts, who appear to see it as being somewhat of a threat.

[etv]

Technical Specifications of the Cybird (Robot Bird):

• Wingspan: 29” (725mm) Body Length: 15” (375mm).
• Weight: 225g, inc. on-board battery.
• Rechargeable Flight Battery: High capacity 700 mAh Lithium Polymer battery.
• Charging Time approximately 60-90 minutes for a full charge.
• Flight Duration: Standard 700 mAh flight battery 8-10 minutes between charges. 12-15 minutes for 910 mAh replacement flight battery (under constant power).
• Batteries Required: 6 x 1.5v AA Alkaline Batteries for Transmitter.
• R/C Specification: Supplied almost ready-to-fly with pre-installed 2 Channel FM Radio, providing motor speed control and steering by tail surface movement.
• Range: Up to 100m (300ft). Frequency: 35MHz Two frequencies available.
• Instruction Manual included: Providing helpful tips for both the new Ornithopter Pilot or experienced R/C enthusiast, and informative CD Rom.
• Age: 13+ Adult supervision recommended.
• Gift Box Dimensions: 385 x 195 x 170mm Gift Box Weight: 1.2kgs.

If you are interested in learning more about the Cybird, or if you would like to see more videos of the Cybird in action (and getting yet more attention from real birds), you can link the the official site here.

The recommended retail price of the Cybird is £130, however it is worth shopping about as I have seen it available for as low as £89.

If you found this post interesting, you may also like these posts:

Indoor RC Aircraft Aerial Ballet Video
(astounding - some of these moves shouldn’t be possible)

Amazing RC Helicopter Video vs Real Helicopter Display
(including bonus footage of a real heli completing
a serious of truly gut-wrenching moves)

Or, perhaps, you may find these real aviation related posts of interest.

Video of Severe Crosswind Landings
(I pity the passengers on these flights)

Video of G-Forces in Action
(See what fighter pilots have to contend with)