This November, the folks at Interactive Toy Concepts are releasing their version of the orthinopter, the iFly Vamp, an indoor/outdoor radio controlled flying bat. The iFly Vamp flies by using its wings. There are no propellers or other plane like structures on this unit. It looks and flies like a bat. With an ominous bat/dragonfly appearance, it will even scare some people including my 5 ½ year old daughter.

Let’s take a closer look at the iFly Vamp and see if it lives up to its billing. Let’s get started…..

Review: iFly Vamp Radio Control Ornithopter

Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas

Sponsor: Interactive Toy Concepts Ltd

In previous reviews, we at DragonSteelMods have reviewed some radio controlled toys including the WowWee Flytech Dragonfly. This class of RC toys is known as orthinopters. These aircrafts flying by flapping its wings the same way that birds, bats and insects fly.

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

iFly Vamp Radio Control Ornithopter

Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s even better!

The i-Fly VAMP by Interactive Toy Concepts is set to take the notion of a flying RC Ornithopter to a whole new level. Coming to stores in Fall 2007, the i-Fly VAMP is sure to be a big hit with flying toy enthusiasts of all ages. Packing state-of the-art technology, this toy provides an unparalleled level of control and stability within an in-doors as well as out.

An “Ornithopter” differs from all man-made flying devices in that it flaps its wings to propel itself through the air. This is a form of flight that most resembles the natural abilities of birds. The i-Fly VAMP is styled to resemble a fantasy-inspired bat. At 12” in width and 10” in length it is the world’s smallest radio-controlled ornithopter in the form of a bat. The flapping wings mimic the behavior of a bird or an insect, giving the eerie illusion that the toy is alive when it is in flight. In addition, the ability to control the i-Fly VAMP through the use of a digital proportional radio controller gives the illusion that the VAMP flies along an intelligent path. The glowing eyes of the i-Fly VAMP add to its mystique as a supernatural nocturnal creature.

The i-Fly VAMP has a built in lithium polymer battery which is charged by mounting it on the integrated charger/ controller. With 20 – 30 minutes of charging, flights of 10+ minutes can be attained. Once in the air, the i-Fly VAMP has a natural forward motion. It is very easy to control the flight by the movement of two sticks on the controller. The left stick allows for digital proportional speed control and the right stick allows for the control of the direction. Due to this ubiquitous control method, it is very common for users to pick up and fly the i-Fly VAMP with little or no learning curve allowing for instant gratification.

Specs/Features:

- Up to ten minutes of flight on a single charge

- Total Flight Control

- Real flapping wings

- Glowing LED eyes

- State of the art flight technology

- Extra set of wings

- For Ages 8 and Up

-Requires 6 AA Batteries

-RTF (Ready to Fly)

-Plane Length: 10”

-Wing Span: 12”

-Weight: 11.7 grams

-MSRP: $39.99 - $49.99

-Available in 27 MHz and 49 MHz frequencies

About Interactive Toy Concepts

Interactive Toy Concepts, the leader in R/C technology strives to push the envelope by creating cool, high tech toys at prices that make our products accessible to everyone. ITC endeavors to stay at the forefront of new technology by combining innovative products with ‘outside the box’ thinking.

“Our philosophy is to design toys for ourselves and produce them for the masses.”

Visit them at http://www.interactivetoy.com