Gleitflug des FlugbeutlersPetaurus breviceps papuanus

Summary Aerodynamic parameters are determined inPetarums from cine films of gliding flight which partly show an exact side view of gliding flight and landing approach. The outstretched gliding skin does not show any flutter movements. Its relative camber is about 0,1, its position of maximal camber, related to total length, is about of 0,4. Reynolds number is approximately 10⁵. Gliding angles are high, i.e. 20° to 30° during gliding to touch down and up to 60° during aerodynamic braking just before touch down. Gliding numbers are accordingly high (bad). Aerodynamic angles of attack are high (45° to 60°), lying higher than the value of 35° at which the smallest (best) gliding numbers of 0,53 are indicated (gliding angle 28°) by aPetaurus preparation polar, determined in a wind tunnel.Petaurus is able to turn rolls and to fly curves by specific coordinations of flying skin, legs and tail, some of which are described and compared with the 1974 measurements on wind tunnel models.