Learning from humpback whales means learning to fly better
Learning from humpback whales means learning to fly better
While looking for a way to prevent dynamic stalling in helicopters, DLR researchers in Göttingen struck gold with humpback whales. These marine mammals are renowned for their great speed and acrobatic skills. This is due to their unusually large pectoral fins, which have characteristic bumps along the front edge. DLR researchers translated the idea of using bumps for delaying the onset of stalling to helicopter rotors, and tested it out using the Bo 105 research helicopter.
