Dragon flight and whether it would be possible

  • Thread starter huggy bear
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Flight
In summary, Dickinson argues that it is impossible for a full-sized dragon to fly using its wingspan, and that if dragons did exist they would have flown using lighter-than-air gases. He also suggests that the weight of a dragon could be reduced by replacing wood and canvas with bone and leather, and that if realism is a concern, then the scales of a dragon could be made to magically produce air down their length to support their weight.
  • #1
huggy bear
6
0
I'm wrestling with the question of dragon flight and whether it would be possible/feasible.
I've read the book "the Flight of Dragons" Peter Dickinson, Harper & row, 1979.

Dickinson argues that for a full sized dragon, which he puts at 90 feet long, six feet wide and 20,000 pounds, a dragon would need a wingspan of 600 feet (16,000 square feet) which is (according to him) aerodynamically impossible.
Dickinson theorizes that if dragons existed they would have flown by biologically produced, lighter than air gasses (like a zeppelin).

I want to know how i could calculate the wing span/area required for a 20ft 200lb dragon without gasses.

OR

what would be the maximum feasible dimensions for a purely wing powered dragon?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2


I don't see anything that fundamentally prevents you taking an old design for a two-passenger glider, and replacing wood and canvas with bone and leather, for an idea of what a biologically engineered dragon might be like. That weight-estimate sounds excessive to me, don't birds tend to have light bodies (compared to their size and fierceness)?
 
  • #3


Depends on your dragon...if you're looking into it as a reptilian dragon, then your design should be somewhat different from that of an airplane.
 
  • #4


a reptilian dragon.

the design would differ from that of a plane because the wings are the means of propulsion as well as lift, and there needs to be a degree of maneuverability, and many myths refer to an ability to hover.

and both weight estimates seem pretty spot on to me (except mine might be a bit light, seriously, it's 20ft long, include internal organs, giant talons, a huge armoured head and flight muscles, as well as the scaly, armoured hide, that's a lot of weight, maybe it should be adjusted to 300lb...)
 
  • #5


What's the point? If you are writing about dragons then your readers obviously are not that stuck on realism. Just make their scales magically force air down, then they can be as large as you want and only need their wings for steering.
 
  • #6


dude, the point is to try and be realistic (at least, within the realms of physical possibility) i want to actually calculate wing span/area, i looked up some formulas on teh interwebz and it all got too complicated, so i hoped someone nerdy (read: smart/can be bothered/already knows how/is experienced in the field) could just, like pull a formula from their arse and just say; "here, use this" all you guys have given me is ideas I've already had.

also this is a physics forum, if i could f*ck with the laws of physics (or thought i could) would I be here right now?

EDIT: if i was being insulting/condescending I'm Sorry: it's because I'm used to gaming forums, where the whole point is to be condescending/call each other n00bs
 
  • #7


Please don't use offensive language. This is not an adolescent board. We don't allow slang.

Concerning the OP: what's wrong with *actual* flying reptilian "dragons": pterosaurs ?
 
  • #8


we need FOUR legged reptiles with wings & teeth, besides all i want is a formula relating wing area to lift in flying animals, that's all I'm asking for, no extra suggestions, just a formula
 

FAQ: Dragon flight and whether it would be possible

Can dragons really fly?

The concept of dragons being able to fly is purely fictional and not based on any scientific evidence. There is no real evidence of any creature with the physical characteristics of traditional dragons being able to fly.

What makes dragon flight different from bird or insect flight?

Birds and insects have evolved specific physical and physiological adaptations that allow them to fly, such as hollow bones, feathers, and specialized respiratory systems. Dragons, on the other hand, do not possess these adaptations and therefore would not be able to fly in the same way.

Could dragons have evolved to have the ability to fly?

It is highly unlikely that dragons could have evolved to have the ability to fly as their large size and heavy body structure would make it difficult for them to take flight. Additionally, the energy requirements for such flight would be immense and unsustainable for a species.

What would be the most important factor for dragon flight to be possible?

The most important factor for dragon flight to be possible would be a significant decrease in their body weight. This would require major evolutionary changes to their anatomy and physiology, which is highly unlikely to occur.

Could dragon flight be explained by magic or supernatural abilities?

As a scientist, it is not within my scope to consider magic or supernatural abilities as explanations for dragon flight. These concepts are not supported by scientific evidence and cannot be used to explain natural phenomena such as flight.

Similar threads

Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
Replies
4
Views
7K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
Replies
2
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top