Leonardo Da Vinci Helicopter Wooden Construction Kit

Leonardo Da Vinci Helicopter  Wooden Construction Kit.

A working re-creation inspired by Leonardo's 15th Century Helicopter.

One of Leonardo's most iconic images, the Aerial Screw (also known as the Helicopter) illustrates the ingenuity of da Vinci, and indicates (along with many other drawings!) his obsession with flying. While this idea may never have got off the ground, for some basic technical reasons, it gave us an insight into the different ways in which Leonardo considered the challenge of human powered flying, and defines him as an inventor well ahead of his time.

While it is often referred to as a helicopter, the premise of the lift to make it rise is more like archimedes screw than the rotors of a helicopter. Our model uses one of the bevel gears he drew in his codices and creates a nice 2 to 1 increase in speed of the crankshaft, so the mast spins quickly, illustrating the manner in which this machine would have worked.
A fun history project.

• All pieces are drilled and pegged for strength
• The canopy and support structure can be removed for experimenting.
• Lots of interesting information about the way it would have worked too!
• Stands 38 cm (15 inches) tall and 23 cm (9 inches ) across

Box sized at 25.5cm x 19cm x 5.5cm approx.

All pieces precisely cut and drilled, fitting together with pegs, or timber - slot construction.
Lots of fun as a learning experience with lots of informaion about the device and how it may have worked.
Recommended 9y.o. plus.
Not suitable for under 3y.o. due to small parts.