Wings enable glide: flying dragon

1 of 2 Skeleton of Flying-Dragon. / St. George M.. / License

Special elongated ribs of the flying dragon lizard enable it to glide via adjustable membranes that act as 'wings'.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Move >
	In gases

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Folding membrane technology for use in reusable packaging. Folding technology.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The 'wings' of this spectacular lizard are made from membranes stretched between a series of specially elongated ribs that act as struts. The end result bears uncanny resemblance to early designs for aircraft wings, but the lizard's version is far more sophisticated since its wings can be opened and closed at will. The lizard's flattened body improves its aerodynamics, and its slender tail acts as a counterbalance. On average, each flight carries it roughly 25 feet (8m)" (Downer 2002:30)

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About the inspiring organism

Draco volans
Draco volans INGER 1983
[Gewohnlicher flugdrache]

Some organism data provided by: TIGR Reptile Database
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Folding membrane technology for use in reusable packaging. Folding technology.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Aeronautics, packaging

References

Downer, J. 2002. Weird Nature: An Astonishing Exploration of Nature's Strangest Behavior. Ontario: Firefly Books.

Wings enable glide: flying dragon

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