Flight in Birds and Aeroplanes

Synopsis: John Maynard Smith describes the way flight developed in the animal kingdom: the fossil record indicates that the long tails which stabilised the flight of the first birds evolved into shorter, less stable structures, allowing greater agility. He explores the implications of these ideas for increased manoeuvrability in modern computer-controlled aircraft, using simple model demonstrations and discussion.
Series: Vega Science Masterclasses, Series
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 30 min.
Year of production: 1996
Availability: Sale; 1997 sale: £12.50 (+VAT inc. p&p)
Subjects: Biology; Physics
Keywords: aircraft; birds; flight

Director

Peter Howell

Contributor

Harold Kroto

Cast

John Maynard Smith

Name: PPARC
Email: pr.pus@pparc.ac.uk
Web: http://www.pparc.ac.uk External site opens in new window
Phone: 01793 442110
Fax: 01793 442002
Address: Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1SZ

Name: Vega Science Trust
Email: vega@vega.org.uk
Web: http://www.vega.org.uk External site opens in new window
Phone: 01273 678 726
Address: Sussex Innovation Centre
Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB
Notes: Well-established maker and distributor of more than 200 programmes on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, many of which have been broadcast. Vega’s videos aim to give a fundamental understanding of principles of nature and the physical world. Outstanding scientists/communicators are directly involved with each video so that they can guide content of the programmes. Science is presented in a natural way as an intellectually challenging discipline and the videos fill the gap in TV coverage by presenting well-informed analyses on serious science-related ethical, economic, social, health and other issues. Separate series consist of interviews with eminent scientists, science video lectures, issues of current scientific concern, the Royal Institution Discourses, scientific masterclasses, and recent research projects. Programmes available for free viewing via the website and some also for sale on DVD.

This record has been viewed 512 times.