3 ms·
I suppose my question here is such: Does the flapping actually generate enough lift to both sustain and initiate flight? We've had gliders that can stay afloat
by jjcm 16y ago
I suppose my question here is such: Does the flapping actually generate enough lift to both sustain and initiate flight? We've had gliders that can stay afloat for ages with the right thermals, but they (like we see in this video as well) require something powered to get them started. It's beautiful, yes, but from what I can see in the video it looks like it's almost entirely aesthetics.
- unohoo 16y agoIf you look closely, I think the 'initiate flight' in this case happens via a tow from a car.
- faramarz 16y agoI'll quote a comment made on the article "There is a minimum requirement for flight which it met. That involves maintaining altitude and speed over a certain period of time, whereas in a glide you either lose speed to maintain altitude until stall or lose altitude to maintain speed until ground. The flyer maintained and even appeared to gain altitude after the pull cord was released from the car and maintained speed throughout the flight. If you are wondering how I get this from the video, it's because I am familiar with the researchers who did this."
- pepijndevos 16y agoA good glider can easily do dozens of meters while losing only one meter in height(I flew one), so it is impossible to tell from the shaky video. But if he knows those guys and tells the truth, awesome! It looks beautiful anyway though.
- pepijndevos 16y agoSustaining, maybe; initiating, never. If you own one of those X-twin foam planes, try mounting wheels on them. They only take of from tables and such, not form the ground.