One of Leonardo’s most iconic images, the Aerial Screw (also known as the Helicopter) illustrates the ingenuity of Da Vinci, and indicates (along with many other drawings!) his obsession with flying.
While this 15th Century (!) idea may never have got off the ground, for some basic technical reasons, it gave us an insight into the different ways in which Leonardo considered the challenge of human powered flying, and defines him as an inventor well ahead of his time.
While it is often referred to as a helicopter, the premise of the lift to make it rise is more like Archimedes’ screw than the rotors of a helicopter.
Our model uses one of the bevel gears he drew in his codices and creates a nice 2 to 1 increase in speed of the crankshaft, so the mast spins quickly, illustrating the manner in which this machine would have worked.
A great kit for beginner to advanced model makers, this is a great way to learn about gears, flight and brings Leonardo’s iconic drawing to life.
Takes between 1 and 3 hours to make. (Glue has to dry!)
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 14 in
Great for STEM Programs and Home Learning
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s famous aerial screw design, this model allows children to explore early ideas about human flight. By building the mechanism, children discover how gears, motion, and mechanical design work together through hands-on experimentation.
- Perfect for STEM workshops and classroom engineering or invention projects
- Great for maker events, camps, and after-school programs
- Encourages creativity, curiosity, and mechanical thinking
- Excellent for home learning and family exploration
- No engineering background required - children naturally learn through building and experimenting
Ordering for a school or organization? Bulk orders are welcome - contact us for group pricing and shipping options.
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Reviews for Leonardo Da Vinci Helicopter - Aerial Screw (7-12 years)