News, Hummingbird Wings Generate Lift More Efficiently Than The Best Micro-Helicopter Blades (birds)

[JD59]

Hummingbird wings are more efficient than even the highest-quality helicopter blades when it comes to generating lift, according to new research appearing in the current issue of the Journal of the Royal Society: Interface.

However, experiments conducted by Stanford University professor David Lentink indicate that the gap between nature and human engineering is closing. While the best hummingbird was found to be over 20 percent more efficient than the world’s most advanced micro-helicopters, BBC News science reporter Victoria Gill indicates that average hummingbirds and helicopters are just about equal.


Read more at Hummingbirds Triumph Over Helicopters In Hovering Contest - Science News - redOrbit

[baileyvpotter]

Interesting read. In the end, I just love watching them, they are fascinating. I have a pair that are very territorial of their
feeder. What is really amazing to watch is - when another bird tries to go to the feeder, the couple teams up and flies
faster than a stealth bomber.

[bjh]

Well, of course. Nature FTW!