Published May 22, 1970
| public
Journal Article
Formation Flight of Birds
- Creators
- Lissaman, P. B. S.
- Shollenberger, Carl A.
Abstract
Formation flight of birds improves aerodynamic efficiency. Theoretically, 25 birds could have a range increase of about 70 percent as compared with a lone bird, the advantage being more pronounced when there is a tail wind. A vee formation is required to equally distribute the drag saving, and, contrary to other statements, the lead bird does not necessarily have the most strenuous position. The angle of the predicted vee compares with that observed in nature; stability mechanisms are described which make it easy and natural for the bird to sense optimal formations.
Additional Information
© 1970 American Association for the Advancement of Science. 17 November 1969; Revised 26 February 1970.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 54664
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.168.3934.1003
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20150210-112537335
- Created
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2015-02-10Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-10Created from EPrint's last_modified field