Flapper Nimble+

Quote (B2B only)Base, Starter, Double and Triple kits sold via the company's B2B web store. Pricing shown only to registered business/academic buyers. Announced for sale in July 2022 through Bitcraze's webstore, with a first batch of 10 units expected at the end of that summer.

AvailablePython from a laptopCrazyflie-based4 flapping wingsPython APIResearch platform

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

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

Flapper Drones ↗Docs ↗Bitcraze blog (2022) ↗

Overview

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.

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

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