Description[]
An ornithopter (transportation flying machine) with room for three passengers and a pilot who are suspended on leather seats (strapped in about the waist for security). The device is powered by a small steam engine. There is a guidance propeller at the rear of the machine that is attached to the steam engine.
Trivia[]
- Madame Lefoux and Gustave Trouve designed the ornithopter together while at university.
- It is not certified by the Ministry of Aethernautics to fly within Parisian aetherspace.
- For her maiden voyage, Gustave Trouve warned that the stabilizers may not work. Madame Lefoux improvised with the metal boning from Alexia Tarabotti's bustle.
Quotes[]
- "Well, yes, but it isn't certified by the Ministry of Aethernautics to fly within Parisian aetherspace. I did not think you actually intended to use it. I'm not sure if the stabilizers are working properly." (Blameless, Chapter Seven)
- "The two inventors were fussing about a machine of some kind, running around loosening tether ropes, checking safety features, tightening screws, and lubricating cogs. This seemed to involve a phenomenal quantity of banging and cursing." (Blameless, Chapter Seven)
- "The ornithopter, for that is what it must be, looked like a most incommodious mode of transport. Passengers - there was room for three in addition to the pilot - were suspended in nappylike leather seats the top of which strapped about their waist." (Blameless, Chapter Seven)
- "I replaced our original model with one of Eugene's bourdon tubes, activated by gunpowder charges." (Blameless, Chapter Seven)
- "I do apologize for that unfortunate landing.' 'You mean that unfortunate crash?' 'At least I chose a soft bit of ground.' 'Duck ponds are usually are soft. You do realize, ornithopter only means bird? You don't actually have to treat it as such." (Blameless, Chapter Eight)
- "Well, I think your ornithopter has earned its name.' 'Oh, yes?' The inventor looked resigned. 'Yes. The Muddy Duck.' 'Le Canard Boueux? Very funny." (Blameless, Chapter Eight)