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Journal of Experimental Biology 64,489-495 (1976)
Published by Company of Biologists 1976

Some Advanced Flight Manoeuvres of Bats

ULLA M. NORBERG 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of Göteborg, Fack, S-400 33 Göteborg 33, Sweden

Two manoeuvres in bats are described: rolls through 180°, in Nyctalus noctula, and a series of sideslips in Otomops martiensseni. These manoeuvres cause a rapid loss of height. They are initiated by pronation of one wing and supination of the other. After the roll, when the bat is in an upside down position, the lift force of the wings is directed downwards, causing a tight turn downwards (apparently for insect catching). During sideslip the body drag of the bat is increased. This reduces the total lift/drag ratio, thus steepening the equilibrium gliding angle.

Submitted on September 22, 1975






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1976