Answer :
Final answer:
The Wright Brothers observed that birds have flexible wings, allowing for dynamic control and better balance in flight, unlike early gliders which had rigid wings and limited maneuverability. They also noted how birds control their flight to maintain stability, which influenced their own design improvements in aviation. These observations were crucial to the development of their successful flying machines.
Explanation:
Differences Noticed by the Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were keen observers of nature and looked to birds for inspiration in their quest for powered flight. They noticed several significant differences between birds and the early gliders that were being built at that time.
1. Wing Structure and Flexibility
One major difference was the flexibility of a bird's wings. Birds have feathers and various layers in their wing structure that can be adjusted during flight, which allows them to change shape and adapt to different flying conditions. In contrast, early gliders had rigid wings that did not adjust dynamically to the air currents, limiting their maneuverability and efficiency.
2. Control of Flight
Another key observation was how birds managed to control their flight. Birds use their tails and wing feathers to steer, balance, and glide smoothly. Early gliders lacked this level of control and relied on fixed surfaces, which made them more difficult to pilot. This insight led the Wright Brothers to design a system of control that would allow their aircraft to maneuver similarly to birds.
3. Balance and Stability
Finally, the Brothers saw that birds maintained stability in flight through their natural body mechanics. For instance, birds can shift their weight and adjust their positions to remain balanced while flying. Early gliders often struggled with stability and required constant adjustment from the pilot. The Wrights took this into consideration and improved their designs to enhance stability, using methods they observed in avian flight.
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