Flies provide aerodynamic model for tiny flying vehicles

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The flys advanced flying techniques provide a prototype for scientists designing micro air vehicles. Scientists Zbikowski et al. have found a model to describe certain flying dynamics that will help where observation becomes practically difficult. Ph ...
The fly’s advanced flying techniques provide a prototype for scientists designing micro air vehicles. Scientists Zbikowski et al. have found a model to describe certain flying dynamics that will help where observation becomes practically difficult. Photo credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net, http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

When it comes to flying, the fly reigns supreme. This two-winged insect’s sophisticated flying behavior enables it to make sharp turns, aim at targets and hover – traits which make the insect an ideal prototype for tiny micro air vehicles (MAVs). However, the same flying finesse also presents challenges for scientists trying to investigate, observe and understand these complex creatures in their natural environments. Now, scientists from the U.K. demonstrate that mathematical modeling may provide adequate complementary information for advances in MAV technology.


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