Bird-Like Flying

When man first tried to fly, he copied birds. These designs failed because they needed the instant reactions times of a bird’s brain to control them. He had success once he tried more stable, less bird-like designs. Now we have computers that can react quickly, perhaps we should revisit the problem. Perhaps more efficient aviation is possible with more bird-like, insect-like, bat-like or non-biomimetic less-stable designs. The payoff would be greater fuel efficiency and less global warming gases.

~ Roedy (1948-02-04 age:70)