Chronister’s flying demonstration will feature a 110 scale model of a practical flapping-wing aircraft that he has envisioned for personal transport, which, if it ever comes to be used, will use much lesser amount of fuel. He has also authored Ornithopter Design Manual, a book which is used by hobbyists around the world.

Though there have been some successful manned-ornithopter flights previously, still it continues to be a major interest among people interested in such aircrafts. K Nandakumar from Chennai developed a remote-controlled ornithopter of original design in 2004, which was believed to be the first in India. The micro air vehicle or MAV variant of ornithopters can carry cameras that are controlled through radio.

Also at Zephyr: Daniel Raymer and Tessy Thomas
American aerospace design engineer Daniel Raymer and Tessy Thomas, associate project director of the Agni-III missile, will also be at the festival this year, sharing their experiences with the students. Raymer, who is president of the design and consulting company, Conceptual Research Corporation, has helped design the F-22, B-2, and T-45 bombers.  Raymer would be talking about the projects he has headed and the importance of innovation. Thomas, also known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’, would be talking about her work as the project director of the upgraded 3000-km range Agni-III. An expert on solid propellant systems, Thomas is one among a team of 200 women working on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).