Panavia Tornado Biomimicry

Swing Wing

Birds and some aircraft can modify the shape of their wings during flight.

Peregrine falcons spend hours gliding high up in the air when they are hunting for prey. To do this, they extend their wings straight out to generate as much lift as possible. When they spot a potential meal, they fold their wings backwards and dive. This aerodynamic shape allows them to become the fastest animal on the planet, travelling at over 200 miles per hour, about the same speed as a Formula 1 car.

The RAF’s Tornado aircraft use the same trick as the falcons. This is called a 'swing wing'. At take-off, Tornados need to generate the force of lift to get them in the air so the pilot moves the wings forwards. To fly at high speed, the pilot swings the wing backward, making the aircraft more aerodynamic. This arrow shape reduces the force of drag (air resistance).

Try it yourself. Hold your arms out sideways. Now move them backwards.