The real Heron
Been following the Heron thread with interest. It reminded me that some years ago I wrote a review of a book on the relationship twixt birds and aircraft. The book is still available and I commend it to all aviators
Bladud REX
Book Review: The Simple Science of Flight
As enthusiasts, I expect many members have a number of aviation volumes on their bookshelves. Oddly enough, for someone with more than a passing interest in aviation, only a few of mine have anything to do with the theory of flight, the HOW? of the discipline.
In the introduction to his book, Dutchman Henk Tennekes, describes his publication as an "act of revenge" after being taken to task by his head of department at Pennsylvania State University in 1969, for illustrating his lectures with comparisons between bird flight, and aeroplane theory.
The book uses as its core ‘The Great Flight Diagram’, a remarkable insight into the performance relationships between insects, birds and aircraft flight –(put your own favourite aircraft in there and see where it falls in the great aeronautical scheme of things). The inspired use of statistical data in graphic form in this elegant way, is surely going to find a place on my workshop wall.
This author really brings his subject alive; fascinatingly for anyone
with aviation interests, he links the theory from insects all the way through to the B747, in a way which makes it highly readable and brings fresh and delightful insights on almost every page.
One chapter entitled Flying with Finesse, shows how the ice skater generates forward thrust, Tennekes then effortlessly draws parallels between that example, and flapping flight in birds (just turn the plane of action through 90 degrees)
The old chestnut; “Scientists say that the honeybee is theoretically
incapable of flight etc” has been around too long -as the author demonstrates when he describes how we all operate within the same set of rules every time we commit aviation –whether we realise it or not. (Look at the Great Flight Diagram and see where the bumblebee falls in relation to the trend line)
Inevitably there is some theory in a book of this sort, but don’t be put off, -it is all simple and eminently readable, and makes a great deal of sense.
Textbooks rarely have a heroine –but this one does- and in this case it is the Boeing 747 who wears the white hat. Interestingly, there is also a beautiful ‘baddie’ –but I will leave you to learn her identity for yourself!
If you only ever buy one book on the theory of flight in your whole
life, make it this one, it is excellent value. Illustrated by line drawings throughout, it has a full index, and is I believe, destined to become a classic. Alternatively ask your local library to get hold of a copy, then others may get to read it as well.
THE SIMPLE SCIENCE OF FLIGHT Henk Tennekes ISBN 0-262-20105-4
Published by MIT Press, London, at £17.50.