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April 27, 2006
Bees Say We're Flying All Wrong
Researchers have discovered the faster a bee flies, the more it lowers its legs? Our own aviation prowess tells us to tuck anything protruding inwards to reduce drag in order to maintain that speed. Mother nature has her reasons and apparently, we've been doing it wrong all along.
Researches tested orchid bees known for their speed. They placed special aromatic oils that attract the bees at the mouth of a wind tunnel. As the bees flew for the scent, the scientists kept increasing the wind speeds. Instead of tucking their hind legs in, the bee's actually extended them further. Interestingly, this forces their head to pitch forward, allowing them to cut thru the air and fly faster.
This technique is similar to how old helicopters used to pitch forward to offset wind drag before flying forward.
Researchers also found the bees extended their legs to increase stability. At such high speeds, its easy to crash or fly upside. You need something to protrude out to increase equilibrium. This is similar to how a figure skater extends their arms in order to stop a fast spin or keep from tipping over.
NOTE: Those bees in the photo really are that color. They are called orchid bees.
Posted by tranism at 1:46 AM | Permalink
Comments
Are the aeronautic engineers doing anything from this new explanation through their aircraft?
Posted by: hanlu at May 25, 2006 9:02 PM