Engineers develop batlike wings that boost hovering efficiency and flight performance

In 1934, French entomologist Antoine Magnan wrote that bumblebees "should not be able to fly," as their small wings should theoretically not be able to produce enough lift. It took modern high-speed camera technology to uncover what allowed airborne insects to fly: the leading-edge vortex. This phenomenon occurs when air flow around the leading edge of flapping wings rolls up into a vortex, creating a low-pressure region that boosts lift.

from Tech Xplore - electronic gadgets, technology advances and research news https://ift.tt/YyROW9q