If we could fly like a falcon in the wind...
Well over 100 years ago, Otto Lilienthal was studying birds to learn the basics of aviation. Nowadays, researchers in Munich are using falcons as learning material - to make better planes and drones.
The falcon soars
A strong breeze whips through the tunnel, and a falcon spreads its wings. It soars against the wind, and all the while 10 high speed cameras capture its every movement.
Spectacular images
Each of the cameras takes 1,000 images per second of the falcon's flight, giving the researchers at Munich's Institut für Strömungsmechanik und Aerodynamik much to study. That's Helmut Achatz, falcon expert, in the background.
Bird as role model
The scientists will analyze the flight data of these falcons for new insights as they endeavor to create better planes and drones. For the latter, in particular, the soaring flight of the falcon is seen as an ideal model.
High velocity
Falcons are known as some of the world's fastest birds. At around one kg in weight and with a wing span of about one meter, they can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h during nosedive.
Inspiring pioneers
For human aviation, birds were important from the very beginning. Otto Lilienthal, the father of aviation, learned valuable lessons from storks. This was Lilienthal's famous flight from Berlin's Fliegeberg.
Perfect feathers
It's also their brown-white coat that make falcons so perfect for observation purposes, according to falcon training. This means researchers don't have to apply any additional marking to the animals.
Sharp eye?
For the researchers at Munich and the Bundeswehr University, the analysis of these falcons will continue throughout the year, before their results will be published.