Nature Inspires Wing-in-Ground-Effect Aircraft, 2021-11-12

Description

Some birds, such as albatrosses and pelicans, skim over ocean waves and fly long distances—up to thousands of miles in a few days—without hardly flapping their wings. Using this dynamic soaring method, seabirds continually harness the power of air and wave currents to conserve energy as they glide along. By flying low, the birds exploit the aerodynamic benefits of a phenomenon called ground effect. Flying close to water, wing downwash angles and tip vortices are suppressed, resulting in a major drag reduction and outstanding cruise . . .
Some birds, such as albatrosses and pelicans, skim over ocean waves and fly long distances, up to thousands of miles in a few days, without hardly flapping their wings. Using this dynamic soaring method, seabirds continually harness the power of air and wave currents to conserve energy as they glide along.