Delta formation is a flight pattern where multiple flying objects will come together in a V in order to fly more efficiently. Each trailing object is positioned slightly higher than the one in front, and uses the air moved by the forward object to reduce wind resistance.[1]
The delta formation is frequently used by birds to migrate over long distances,[2] in airplanes, and in UAVs.[3]
The most famous use of the delta formation is by the United States Air Force's demonstration squadron the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds will use six aircraft that come together, typically at the end of an air show and fly in tight formation.
- ^ "Why do geese fly in a V?". Library of Congress. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Fly like a bird: The V formation finally explained". BBC News. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Campion, Mitch; Ranganathan, Prakash; Faruque, Saleh (1 June 2019). "UAV swarm communication and control architectures: a review". Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems. 7 (2): 93–106. doi:10.1139/juvs-2018-0009. ISSN 2291-3467. S2CID 56702550.