MODEL RELEASED. Aircraft research. Technician using a microscope in the repair of part of a tiny flapping wing aircraft, or ornithopter. The ornithopter flies by flapping its four wings under the power of an untwisting elastic band. This aircraft is being designed to provide silent, low- speed flight and could be controlled remotely to navigate it through confined spaces, such as the interior of buildings. Such an aircraft could be used for surveillance purposes. This work is being done at AeroVironment Incorporated, a design company which makes non-polluting and energy- efficient vehicles, based in California, USA.