(Source: University of Michigan) This model of an airplane wing changes its shape using materials that react to electrical current. Credit: Joseph Xu, Michigan Engineering Communications & MarketingANN ARBOR-An international team of engineers and biologists will gain unprecedented insights into how birds fly so efficiently and then turn that knowledge to building unmanned aircraft with shapeshifting wings. These planes should be lighter, faster and dramatically more maneuverable than today's stiff-winged aircraft. Recently awarded a $6 million grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the researchers will first produce the most detailed analysis of bird flight ever made for an...
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