fly like a bird

[rkman]

0.15 appears to have a bug feature that makes it possible to propel a craft just by flapping the wings.

I\'m currently flying such a craft at almost 100m/s at 1km alt.

It consists of an empty fuselage section, 4 canards, 4 wheels, mechjeb, and nosecone command pod. To get moving set mechjeb SmartASS to a pitch of some 15 degrees nose up, initial heading 90. It takes off at some 50m/s.

The challenge is to make the fastest bird craft.

Reference design (3rd image):

nosecone command pod

mechjeb

2 empty fuselage sections

4 wheels

8 canards

optional: parachute at the back for braking on landing

does 143m/s at 4630m

[White Owl]

It\'s an ornithopter! 8)

[0muffins0]

Does this count?

Working Ornithopter in Kerbal Space Program!

[RedDwarfIV]

Does this count?

Working Ornithopter in Kerbal Space Program!

So far as I can tell, the challenge is to build a craft solely purposed for flying by its wings flapping. Having engines takes away the point, since all you\'ve done is make a jet aircraft with not enough struts to stop the wings flapping up and down.