How do they do that....?

[diomeda]

I'm intrigued to know how sea-birds can soar half-way round the world without so much as a single flap, yet every time I get launched into the big blue void I'm back on the ground PDQ? Any gliding teccies out there...?

[Vx]

The larger ocean-going birds are cluey; they derive orographic lifting by flying along the faces of the swells. Literally, wave soaring.
Also a good (literally) perch for a dive on a fish !
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G'day Ghengis, hows things !

[This message has been edited by Vx (edited 03 April 2000).]

[diomeda]

Thanks Viz but I'm not convinced. Why do they keep soaring higher than the ship's superstructure and then back down again? There's no orographic at 50ft.

Also,I'm told that Albatrosses can't dive - they have to land like gulls.....

[Vx]

If he ship's superstructue is there then the birds are probably getting lifting off that at well - another free ride. I was thinking about skuas and terns diving - I suppose a albatross hitting the water would make a good thump !
In any case that feathered wing and its control/feedback systems is the most efficient yet designed.
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Ghengis, the "intelligent wing" - how soon do you think ? Paint, or feathers ?

[wyvern]

Please note - Ghengis is out of comm range until the end of Apr 00.