FlyTech Dragonfly
| Industry | Toy manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sean Frawley, Dan Getz |
| Products | Flytech Dragonfly |
The Flytech Dragonfly is a remote-controlled aerial toy produced by WowWee. While it is frequently promoted as the first commercially released RC ornithopter—an aircraft with flapping wings—it was actually introduced after earlier models such as Hobbytechnik's Skybird, Park Hawk, Slow Hawk, and Neuros' Cybird ornithopters.
Built using materials that combine lightness with robustness, the Dragonfly boasts a structure designed to withstand crashes and includes rechargeable batteries. It offers various flight modes suitable for both novices and experienced operators. Unlike WowWee’s robotic creations like Robosapien and Roboreptile, the Dragonfly does not qualify as a robot. Replacement wings can be purchased separately.
History
The concept for the Dragonfly originated from teenage inventors Sean Frawley and Dan Getz. Its four-wing configuration was influenced by a rubber-band-powered ornithopter kit created by Nathan Chronister of The Ornithopter Zone and shares its wing-flapping mechanism with the DelFly. Progress in miniaturized motors and battery technology, initially developed for mobile phones, made it possible to produce an electric-powered, radio-controlled model. Frawley later attained a degree in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently employed by WowWee. The Dragonfly was unveiled at the 2007 CES in Las Vegas and soon became available at RadioShack outlets throughout the United States.
Hardware
The internal framework and gear components of the Dragonfly are constructed from Delrin, enclosed within a shell made of molded Expanded Polypropylene. Its wings incorporate Carbon fiber rods for reinforcement and are covered with a thin layer of Mylar film to produce lift and propulsion. With a weight of just 25 grams, it is quite vulnerable to mild wind conditions.
Equipped with a lithium polymer battery, the Dragonfly offers flight durations ranging from 5 to 10 minutes per charge, occasionally extending to 15 minutes. Charging is performed through its remote control unit, which operates on six AA batteries, requiring approximately 20 minutes for a full recharge.
Other versions
- The FlyTech Dragonfly comes in several color options, with blue and green being the most widely distributed; red and orange versions are less common.
- One variant is designed to resemble Barry B. Benson from DreamWorks' 2007 animated feature Bee Movie.
- A special edition named Hornet, exclusive to Toys-R-Us, features an appearance more akin to a wasp.
Further reading
External links
- Official product page
- The Ornithopter Zone
- Ornithopter Technologies – company originally founded by Sean Frawley
- FlyTech Dragonfly Home on RoboCommunity – user community for WowWee Robotics
- UK information site about FlyTech Remote Control Dragonfly
- Video showing Dragonfly flying at half speed
- Fan site featuring photo galleries, discussion forums, and reviews
- Flytech Dragonfly details page including video
- Interview with Sean Frawley discussing the development process
- Review of FlyTech Dragonfly by The LED Museum