# Historical Flying Toys Tiny Radio-Controlled Ornithopter is Based on Da Vinci's Design By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-10-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radio-controlled-ornithopter References: [gadgetfind](http://www.gadgetfind.com/rcornithopter.html) & [techblog.ws](http://www.techblog.ws/gadgets/worlds-smallest-rc-ornithopter/) Unlike toy aircraft that use wings or propellers, this tiny radio-controlled ornithopter flies by flapping its wings 40 times a second. A [dual-stick remote controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remotecontrolled-cars) turns, climbs and dives, and a [lithium polymer battery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavo-femto) gives the ornithopter seven minutes of flying time. Leonardo Da Vinci's 15th-century concept drawing provided the inspiration for the radio-controlled ornithopter, which is touted by Hammacher Schlemmer as the world's smallest. **Implications** - Many businesses are looking to the past to make what was old new again, but with a modern twist. Many people enjoy these types of items because they come with a history. The featured ornithopter is a great example of taking a very old design and making it modern using today's technology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Historical Toys Reinvented:** Modernizing old toy designs with new technology can attract consumers looking for nostalgia and history. - **Flapping Wing Innovation:** The use of flapping wings for aerial vehicles opens up new opportunities for research and development in industries such as aviation and drones. - **Remote Controlled Devices:** Advancements in remote control technology and battery life are expanding the possibilities for small, intricate devices such as the radio-controlled ornithopter. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry can explore historical designs for new toy lines and create modern versions with technology adaptations. - **Aviation Industry:** The use of flapping wings for aircraft could lead to innovative and energy-efficient designs in the aviation industry. - **Drone Industry:** Flapping wing technology could be applied to drones to create new types of unmanned aerial vehicles with different capabilities and uses. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biomimicry Bird-Like Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-bird-xfly.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Kids Innovative Stunt Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerostorm-stunt-plane.md) - [Avian African Aircraft Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircraft-concepts.md) - [Falcon-Inspired Aerial Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-falcon.md) - [Spinning Toy Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-dancers.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [Geometric Design Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-toy-by-eames-office.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md)