Mythbusters and RV's on Monday night...

[rgmwa]

On Monday night 7:30pm on SBS, Mythbusters are screening on a program titled:

 

"Can airplanes save fuel by flying in a V-formation like a flock of birds?".

 

This program was a hit in the US among homebuilders because they enlisted a "flock" of RV's for the test.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[poteroo]

Very interesting, but they really couldn't claim that as a controlled test. Good footage for the program, but all it indicated was that the birds are flying the most efficient formation, and that you need to be in seriously close echelon to make it work.

 

It did appear that you need to fly slightly wing tips overlapping for best effect, but if you fly further aft in the vortex, then you might be able to position without any tip-to-tip overlap....at the expense, perhaps, of gaining less energy from the vortex.

 

Thinking about it overnight, it might be more efficient, and safer, to fly in a step-up formation - which should position the wingtip at the top of the vortex, ie, where it is rising rather than descending? Step-up is quite valid in any low wing a/c.

 

Will be talking about it with the other Albany-Denmark formation pilots this morning. happy days,

 

 

[rgmwa]

Seemed like hard work to keep formation well enough to get a consistent benefit, although birds make it look easy. The planes looked good though.

 

rgmwa