Page 70 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

In identifying under-
water targets, the
Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio
leporinusi) is far superior to
AWACS. This bat’s sonar system en-
ables it to hunt fish. It’s no exaggera-
tion to think of the bat as a kind of ad-
vanced warplane with early warning capa-
bilities. When it locates a fish near the surface
of the water, it goes into a dive. On the large feet of the bat, which are ideally de-
signed for seizing fish, there are super sharp, powerful claws. As it approaches its prey,
the bat drops its feet below the water, where its thin claws meet no water resistance.
These large, sharp and pointed claws give the bat a great advantage when it comes to
gripping its prey. (“More about bat echolocation;” http://www.szgdocent.org/re-
source/ff/f-bateco.htm)

Some moth species are able to confuse the bats’ detection system by means of the
high-pitched squeaks they emit. If the bat can't locate the moth, it’s unable to catch it.
(Phil Gates, Wild Technology, 53.) The EA-6B Prowler aircraft currently used by the U.S.
military imitate these moths’ tactics. It monitors the electromagnetic spectrum and ac-
tively denies an adversary the use of radar and communications. (“EA-6B Prowler;”
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ea-6.htm)

EA-6B Prowler