a reciprocating wind engine utilizing plural , movably mounted sets of panels to form pistons is disclosed . cooperating first and second pistons may be spaced from each other on either side of a central crankshaft . as the wind strikes the surface of a first set of panels , the first piston is moved toward the crankshaft and the second piston is pulled toward the crankshaft from the opposite side . when both pistons are adjacent the crankshaft , the panels on the first or windward piston open to allow the wind to pass therethrough into contact with the panels of the second piston which are closed to present a uniform surface to the wind . the pistons are forced away from the crankshaft to complete one cycle of operation . the output from the crankshaft may be utilized to generate electricity , or for any other suitable purpose . plural engine segments may be cooperatively joined together to form a bank of such units .