Phractyl Defends Its Bizarre, Bird-Like Aircraft Design

'Macrobat' engineer answers questions about the weird electric concept.

Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 10:24 AM ET

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An artist’s rendering for a concept aircraft called Macrobat has flapping wings and bird-like landing gear. [Courtesy: Phractyl]

Key Takeaways:

Phractyl, a South African company, has unveiled the Macrobat, a highly unconventional bird-like electric aircraft concept featuring "bird-leg" landing gear and flapping wings, designed for remotely piloted transport in remote areas.
The Macrobat's mission is focused on socio-economic development and community benefit, aiming to reach underserved regions without developed infrastructure for transporting goods or a single person.
The concept faces significant skepticism from the aviation community regarding its feasibility and safety due to its unorthodox design, with the company acknowledging "a number of unknowns" regarding its certification timeline.
Phractyl employs an atypical approach to funding, currently self-funded and seeking donations, and uses a light-hearted communication style, differing from typical serious aviation startups.

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When a South African company calling itself Phractyl recently unveiled its concept art for a bird-like electric aircraft called Macrobat, members of the global aviation community expressed skepticism.

“What on Earth is going on here?” asked New Atlas. Calling it “avant-garde absurdity,” New Atlas said it was “unlike anything we’ve seen before—or are likely to see again, if we’re honest.”