From the smallest mosquito to the largest aircraft, all flying objects are governed by the same aerodynamic principles. In this book, Hendrik Tennekes explores how machines and living beings manage to fly: what size wings they need, how much energy is required for their journeys, how they can cross deserts and oceans, how they take off, how they ascend, how they soar.

Fascinated by the similarities between nature and technology, the author provides an introduction to flight that teaches by relevance. Biological evolution and its technical counterpart exhibit fascinating correspondences. What makes certain airplanes adapt almost perfectly to their natural and technical environments? Why does the Boeing 747 withstand competition while the once-great success of the Concorde now seems merely incidental? The author explains the science of flight through comparisons, examples, equations, and anecdotes.

In its new edition, this popular book has been thoroughly revised and significantly expanded. Highlights of the new material include the description of the incredible performance of the bar-tailed godwit (flying 11,000 kilometers from Alaska to New Zealand non-stop), an analysis of the convergence of modern passenger jets (both Boeing and Airbus), a presentation of energy metabolism featuring cyclist Lance Armstrong, an innovative discussion of aerodynamic drag and trailing vortices, and an emphasis on evolution, nature, and engineering.

The author approaches the topic with new evidence related to bird migration, recent studies and experiments in aerodynamic tunnels, and data on new commercial airplanes. Additionally, his analysis of the relative performance of airplanes, trains, and cars is of significant importance in light of recent developments.

What they said about the book:

• "This was a great book from its original publication; the new version is even better, as it includes both Henk's praise for his favorite flying machine (the Boeing 747) and explanations based on unexpected results from recent bird flight experiments (including the remarkable crow in soaring flight). Read it, then observe the birds and airplanes, and immerse yourself in it again and again." — Vaclav Smil, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Policy at the University of Manitoba

• "The new version of the book broadens the enlightenment that so many of us found appealing in the old edition. And it offers an even greater sense of satisfaction (“now I understand what’s going on”) than the usual explanations (“how brilliant those designers must have been”). And I do not know of any book that draws such an admirable wealth of ideas from such simple quantifications. Besides the information it provides, it is a pleasant read for those who travel by airplane, observe live creatures flying, or dream of learning to fly themselves." — Steven Vogel, Professor of Bioengineering at Duke University

• "Kudos to MIT Press for publishing the updated edition of The Simple Science of Flight and congratulations to Tennekes for incorporating new data, the thorough revision, and his irresistible pedagogy." — Stanley Shostak, Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh