Why is it so difficult for us to just replicate a bird instead of the kind of fixed wing aircraft we have?

Question

Why is it so difficult for us to just replicate a bird instead of the kind of fixed wing aircraft we have?

In: 164

Answer 1

Bird wings are great for making a lot of constant adjustments and sharp turns, and quick ups/downs. Planes don’t really need that, and need efficiency and reliability more. Just like a bird that is gliding for a long distance won’t move its wings too much to maximize lift and reduce energy use, a plane’s straight wing design works well for our long-distance travel- and in fact looks quite similar to a bird’s straightened out wing.