The dragonfly possesses one of the most unique and impressive powers of flight on our planet. Unlike most other insects, they have two pairs of wings that flap independently. They can turn up to 180 degrees in two or three wing beats and generate aerodynamic force—a combination of lift, weight, thrust, and drag—equal to over four times their own body weight. They can hover and glide. They are so adept at flying that, in the past couple of years, some researchers have begun studying them to help

Flagpole Acrobatics: Dragon Flying over China