AN aerospace giant is looking to nature to help inspire the latest innovations for its fighter planes.

Scientists at BAE Systems' bases in Samlesbury and Filton in Bristol have been looking into how peregrine falcons fly to create new technologies for aircraft that could boost their safety, aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The work is being carried out alongside staff at City, University of London.

The teams have so far developed several concepts following research into how the world’s fastest bird, the peregrine falcon, is able to stay in control and airborne at speeds of up to 200mph, even in high winds.

Professor Clyde Warsop, a specialist in aerodynamic flow control at BAE, said: “Working with Professor Christoph Bruecker and his team at City, we’ve investigated how we could apply the unique abilities of the peregrine falcon to aircraft.

“Bio-inspiration is not a new concept; many technologies that we use every day are increasingly inspired by animals and nature.”

Technologies are being developed using ‘sensory feathers’, which are 3D-printed polymer ‘hair’ filaments which would act like sensors on the body of an aircraft, providing an early warning system if it began to stall.

Further technology has also been inspired by the falcon’s ability to stabilise itself after swooping or landing by ruffling its feathers.

Scientists say this could be recreated by small flexible or hinged flaps on an aircraft which allow the wing to manoeuvre quickly and land more safely at lower speeds.

The added safety margin gained using this approach could allow future aircraft of a more compact design or to carry more fuel.

In addition, the research so far has shown the flaps could potentially lower aircraft noise pollution.

Expects have predicted the technologies could be applied within the next 20 years.

Professor Christoph Bruecker from City’s Aeronautical Engineering department, said: “The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest bird, able to dive for prey at incredibly steep angles and high velocities.

“The research work has been truly fascinating and I am sure it will deliver some real innovation and benefits for the aerospace sector.”

In 2016, the defence giant, which also has a base in Warton, invested £1.4billion in research and development.