The helicopter was a rough and very simplified imitation of a dragonfly. It’s not a coincidence that the very first helicopter, designed by Westland Aircraft Company, was named Dragonfly. The scientists who believe the insect’s flight control could have applications in new planes and helicopters must realize that replicating the complex design of a dragonfly for flight controls demands a highly intelligent designer and producer. Since the slender, elegant dragonfly uses a lot of aerodynamic drag to carry its weight, the insect holds the potential for deep insight into a complex detail of flight.ĭr Chahl said, "If we could have an aircraft… which could do some of the things that a dragonfly can do, then we would have something that nobody has, or is predicted to have, for some time” ( The US military has recognized the amazing implications this could have for developing technologies - from the ability of fighter aircraft to approach the enemy undetected, just like a dragonfly, to greater maneuverability, to enhanced helicopter logistics. A lot of research done on airplanes has focused on minimizing drag, which decreases in-flight efficiency. Jane Wang, professor of theoretical and applied mechanics, a dragonfly uses drag to support its weight. According to research carried out at Cornell University by Z. The front and rear pairs, however, have been designed with different shapes. All four wings are transparent, very strong, and flexible, and they have wingspans of up to 16 cm (about 6 inches). Dragonflies were, in fact, designed to be very talented predators that intelligently utilize their agility and speed.Ī dragonfly’s wings enable its speed and agility. This statement highlights the fact that dragonflies are one of the most agile and maneuverable insects in the world. It can also suspend itself in the air.Īccording to Akiko Mizutani’s observations, “while chasing its prey, dragonflies shadow their enemies in complex maneuvers that military fighter pilots can only dream of.”. A dragonfly can make complicated maneuvers even while approaching its prey at a speed of 60 km/h. This combination of airflow and the complex maneuvers the dragonfly can make have astonished researchers. The dragonfly conceals its quick aerial movements by generating a visual illusion – at least, according to scientist Akiko Mizutani, of the Centre for Visual Science at the Australian National University, and scientist, Dr Javaan Chahl, of the Defense Science and Technology Organization ( The dragonfly’s four wings allow it to deploy significant amounts of airflow through these wings, generating the lift necessary to keep itself balanced while striking its prey. The dragonfly’s independently flapping wings and body enable it to make unlimited maneuvers while flying, allowing it to capture prey by appearing stationary. They’re distinctive from other insects of the same order because of their multifarious eyes, amazingly designed twin pairs of strong, transparent wings, and aerodynamically elongated bodies. Dragonflies are insects of the Odonata order. One of the studies they launched explored the miraculous design of dragonflies. Many scientists have been conducting studies examining the natural world for clues that will hopefully improve human flight engineering.