Backward flying

Backward flying, also known as reverse flying, is a locomotive phenomenon where the object flies in the opposite of its intended flight direction.

Different fields

Biology

In nature, there are very few organisms who can fly in such manner, making the phenomenon very rare. In the class Aves (birds), there is only one family, Trochilidae (hummingbirds)[1] where the backward flying phenomenon can be found. In the class Insecta (insects), in the infraorder Anisoptera (dragonflies),[1] genus Hemaris (bee hawk-moths)[lower-alpha 1][2] and order Diptera (true flies), species with this ability can be also found.[3]

There are also some species that don't use the traditional wing flapping mechanism to fly backwards. One such example is the Japanese flying squid, which uses a jet propulsion mechanism for backward flying.[4][5]

Technology

In technology, there are some aircraft that can fly backwards. One example is helicopters.[6]

Efficiency

There is no difference in the efficiency between forward flying and backward flying. Although, it was originally thought that backward flying would be much less efficient.[1]

Similar phenomena

Similar to backward flying, backward gliding[lower-alpha 2] phenomenon also exists in nature. An example of organism that can backward glide is Cephalotes atratus (kaka-sikikoko).[7]

Notes
  1. They are better known as hummingbird moths, but since this article already covers hummingbirds (an actual bird), to avoid confusion, we are using instead the less frequently used term, bee hawk-moths.
  2. Not well established term.

References
  1. "Can Any Animals Fly Backward?". AllThingsNature. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  2. "Hummingbird Moth Facts". ActiveWild. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  3. Meyer, John. "Diptera". NC State University. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  4. Reshanov, Alex (27 June 2012). "Lifeform of the week: The amazing Japanese flying squid". EarthSky. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  5. Hendricks, Jim (9 February 2013). "Move Over Superman — Here Comes the Flying Squid". Sport Fishing Magazine. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  6. Hitt, David (21 May 2014). "What Is a Helicopter?". NASA. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  7. "Lofty experiments with gliding ants reveals secrets of their unusual flight". Insider.si.edu. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
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