Formation flying is the disciplined flight of two or more aircraft under the command of a flight leader.
Military pilots use formations for mutual defense and concentration of firepower.
In civil aviation, formation flying is performed at air shows and is also flown for recreation. Formation flying also has been discussed as a means to reduce fuel use by minimizing drag.
Studies of birds have shown that the V formation can greatly enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency by reducing the drag and thereby increasing the flight range.
Read more about Formation Flying: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Formation Flight
Famous quotes containing the words formation and/or flying:
“It is because the body is a machine that education is possible. Education is the formation of habits, a superinducing of an artificial organisation upon the natural organisation of the body.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–1895)
“This parrot is no more! It has ceased to be! It’s expired and gone to meet its maker! This is a late parrot! It’s a stiff!... THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!”
—Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV series)