The aerodynamics and control of free flight Manoeuvres in Drosophila

Abstract

A firm understanding of how fruit flies hover has emerged over the past two decades, and recent work has focused on the aerodynamic, biomechanical and neurobiological mechanisms that enable them to manoeuvre and resist perturbations. In this review, we describe how flies manipulate wing movement to control their body motion during active manoeuvres, and how these actions are regulated by sensory feedback. We also discuss howthe application of control theory is providing newinsight into the logic and structure of the circuitry that underlies flight stability.