In 1934, French entomologist Antoine Magnan wrote that bumblebees “should not be able to fly,” as their small wings should theoretically not be able to produce enough lift. It took modern high-speed camera technology to uncover what allowed airborne insects to fly: the leading-edge vortex. This phenomenon occurs when air flow around the leading edge of flapping wings rolls up into a vortex, creating a low-pressure region that boosts lift.
Engineers develop batlike wings that boost hovering efficiency and flight performance
