Robop - a word about the aerodynamics of the Robop bird deterrent

Aerodynamics

Aircraft always take off into the wind because this gives extra lift as the air rushes over the wings. Birds are the same but more importantly when at rest they sit facing into the wind. To be realistic therefore, Robop always has to face into the wind.

In order that Robop can turn each mounting base contains a bearing. Stand alone Robops with their power supplied by internal batteries, can turn through 360 degrees. Robops with external power such as those supplied to fit on pneumatic poles, have their movement restricted to approximately 355 degrees, to prevent the power cables being wound up as the birds turn.

So, what happens when the wind blows? Does Robop spin on its bearing like a top, or, does something else happen? What happens in practise is that Robop simply turns round and faces straight into the wind and stops. It turns out that Robop is indeed aerodynamic so as the wind blows over the surface of the body and wings the force generated keeps it pointing directly into the wind as required.

When we set out to design Robop the aerodynamics of the bird was not something that we considered since the principle objective was to achieve the most realistic interpretation of a peregrine falcon. However, after we had completed the design we realised that aerodynamics were actually important. The reason for this goes back to the behaviour of birds.