Microsoft Word - A Body Reorientation Strategy in Insect Takeoff Flight

Fast and efficient recovery of flight orientation during takeoff or after a severe disturbance is desirable for micro flapping fliers. Navigating body through desired path in limited space and time needs fast and accurate control mechanisms to modulate flight moments. In this work we shot high-speed videos from dragonflies taking off starting from various initial orientations. Modifying equations of motion of a rigid flying body, we introduced governing equations for fast turns of dragonflies. Results suggest that there are other levels of maneuver planning rather than manipulating aerodynamic moments to accomplish fast and efficient turn maneuvers. Rapid change (within few wing beats) in flight course was accomplished through efficient kinetic energy transfer between pitching and yawing motion via body rolling velocity.