Avitron Micro RC Ornithopter

At the beginning of the 1970s, my grandfather and father, both trained engineers, and by vocation inventors and manufacturers, fulfilled their dream: to manufacture the first wing-flapping machine, realistically simulating the beating wings of a bird, and making Leonardo da Vinci's mythical project accessible to all.

Thus TIM was born, the rubber band powered mechanical bird. A technological revolution in its time using the most advanced processes and materials, it achieved global success as a technical challenge. And it is still flying today, 40 years later, without ever having been equalled or replaced!

Making the most of this unique experience as regards wing beating, I kept a close eye on technological development relating to anything to do with miniaturisation and electronics. As soon as technology allowed, I was ready to launch the Avitron project, the 2nd generation wing-flapping machine. This occurred in 2007.

In order to fulfil this ambition, we needed to combine a revolutionary mechanical design with miniaturisation techniques at the limit of our electronics expertise. We also had to develop a high level production line, integrating elements from very different leading industries (Hi Tech electronics, medical equipment, watch-making). Here, finally, is the fruit of 3 years' relentless work.