A V formation is a symmetric V- or chevron-shaped flight formation. In nature, it occurs among geese, swans, ducks, and other migratory birds, improving their energy efficiency, while in human aviation, it is used mostly in military aviation, air shows, and occasionally commercial aviation.
Flying in the V formation improves energy efficiency. Usually, large birds fly in this formation since smaller birds create more complex wind currents that are hard for the back members to take advantage of.[1] V formations also improve the fuel efficiency of aircraft.
- ^ Waldron, Patricia (15 January 2014). "Why Birds Fly in a V Formation". Science.