bch@mcnc.UUCP (Byron C. Howes) (10/24/85)
I noticed in a recent edition of "Science News" that a number of
engineers are in the process of creating a working model of this
creature that Ted Holden claims would not have been able to fly.
Apparently generating lift was not the problem, but stabilization
(due to QN's lack of tail) was. Vertical stability was achieved
by restructuring wing joints and horizontal stability was achieved
by using the head as a rudder, rather than the tail.
I suggest that QN had a nasty problem checking on things sneaking
up behind him as moving his head during gliding could result in
some nasty steering problems. Lift, however, is not a problem --
or at least no more so than in large gliding birds like vultures,
condors etc. today.
--
Byron C. Howes
...!{decvax,akgua}!mcnc!ecsvax!bch