Large jointed wing

The huge jointed wing hanging in the center of the Museum gallery is taken from some drawings in the Codex Atlanticus, even though these drawings have not made possible a complete interpretation of the machine. This project bears witness to a phase of study when Leonardo was attempting to combine gliding flight with broad movable components controlled by human force using a system of control lines.

After having abandoned his studies for flight by means of beating wings, Leonardo began experimenting with gliding flight and designed a machine blending the two systems together, one that could exploit air currents, like a glider. The wings of the machine, similar in form to those of bats or large birds, are made up of thin ribbings of reeds, held together by cords.

In imitation of the anatomy of birds, the internal sectors of the wings are fixed and rigid, to support the weight, while those on the outside are movable and flexible, having the purpose of guiding the direction. The pilot is supported in vertical position at the center of the device by a harness, where he uses his weight to adjust the machine’s equilibrium. Through a simple system of control lines and pulleys the pilot can determine flight direction.