R.J. Spalding’s Birdman Suit

Front and back views of R.J. Spalding’s patented flying machine from 1889. The design was made to look and fly like a bird, while being suspended in the air by a balloon.[1]

This is Reuben Jasper Spalding’s design for a flying machine, which he successfully patented in 1889. The design is so on-the-nose, I haven’t made up my mind whether it’s amazing or absurd. There’s a chance it’s an honest attempt at human flight, but I see it more as an homage to the earliest flying machines, which took the myth of Daedalus and Icarus and ran with it. Of course, none of these attempts were successful, and it’s hard to believe this one would be any different.

It seems like Spalding was aware of this, which could be why he included a balloon as part of the design. Pictured below, the suit was meant to be suspended under said balloon in order to sustain its flight. Something about this image takes away from the overall effect of the birdman, but it no doubt would’ve increased his chances of success.

Side view of R.J. Spalding’s patented flying machine from 1889. The design was made to look and fly like a bird, while being suspended in the air by a balloon.[1]

Cynicism aside, it’s an elegant design that deserves much credit for the detail and thought put into it. Spalding’s intricate mechanics are beautifully well thought-out, and the overall effect produces a believable image of a birdman. Whether or not it would fly is a different story.

Read more about other ideas for flying machines here.


[1]: Spalding, R.J.. 1889. Improvement in Flying Machines. US Patent 398,984, issued March 5, 1889.