Flapper Nimble+

Quote (B2B only)

AvailablePython from a laptopCrazyflie-based4 flapping wingsPython APIResearch platform

Weeks+Shipping: Weeks (B2B order).

Remote control: A Crazyradio USB dongle lets the Crazyflie Python library (cflib) and cfclient send setpoints and read telemetry from a laptop.

LEARN MORE (Flapper Drones) ↗

Overview

The only practical way to buy a programmable, hovering flapping-wing robot.

The commercial, enlarged version of TU Delft's DelFly Nimble and, per its makers, the first hover-capable tailless flapping-wing drone offered for sale. Because it runs a Crazyflie Bolt, it plugs straight into the Crazyflie ecosystem, so Python scripting, swarms and Lighthouse/mocap positioning all work as on a Crazyflie quadrotor. Aimed at research labs, drone shows and museums rather than hobbyists. It went on sale in July 2022 as an early-access kit, with a first batch of 10 units. The Crazyflie software added official support in December 2022, and units were in stock and ready to ship by April 2023. Universities were still publishing work with it in 2025 and 2026, such as building-inspection tests at the University of Jaén and a positioning study at the University of Amsterdam.

Type: Flapping-wing robot · Flapping-wing robots
Maker: Flapper Drones (Czech Republic / Netherlands, TU Delft spinoff)
Released: 2022
Price: Quote (B2B only)
Status: Available
Best for: Professionals & labs
Programming: Full SDK

Price and shipping

Base, Starter, Double and Triple kits are sold through the Flapper Drones store, which fills only business and academic orders and shows prices only to registered buyers. The Starter Kit launched at $2,000 on Bitcraze's store in July 2022. An older Bitcraze listing still shows it at $2,200, though it may no longer be orderable there (unconfirmed).

Shipping: Weeks (B2B order). Ordered from the company's B2B store in the Czech Republic. Consumer orders are not fulfilled. Flapper store ↗

Specifications

Category	Flapping-wing fliers · Flapping-wing robots
Released	2022
Country	Netherlands, Czech Republic
Availability	Available
Programmability	Full SDK
Built-in autonomy	None / scripted · Moves only when controlled, or plays preset motions
LLM support	Possible via SDK · Crazyflie Python API (cflib) sends setpoints from a laptop, no built-in LLM.
MuJoCo simulation	None found · Nothing found.
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	None found · Nothing found.
Gazebo simulation	None found · Nothing found.
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	No vision sensors
Actuators	Mixed
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote control	Python from a laptop
Size	49 cm wingspan, 102–114 g (127 g max take-off)
Locomotion	Four flapping wings (12 Hz hover, 20 Hz max), 2 brushless motors + 2 servos, tailless active steering
Compute	Bitcraze Crazyflie Bolt 1.1 flight controller
Camera	None built in (payload up to 25 g for add-ons)
Sensors	IMU (gyros), Crazyflie deck expansion for Lighthouse, mocap or UWB positioning, microSD logging
Runtime	8 min (forward flight at 3 m/s, minimum weight) / 5 min (hover, maximum payload), 2S 300 mAh LiPo
Speed	Not published
SDK	Open-source Crazyflie firmware and Python API (cflib), RC transmitter or Android/iOS app for manual flight

Common questions

How much does Flapper Nimble+ cost?

Quote (B2B only). Base, Starter, Double and Triple kits are sold through the Flapper Drones store, which fills only business and academic orders and shows prices only to registered buyers. The Starter Kit launched at $2,000 on Bitcraze's store in July 2022. An older Bitcraze listing still shows it at $2,200, though it may no longer be orderable there (unconfirmed).