Could a human ever be aided to fly like a flying squirrel does?

1. Is it a matter of mass versus surface area?

2. Is the surface area magnified because of all coat of hair on the squirrel?

3. Can a small computer mimic the processing speed of the squirrel brain to calculate all stimulus regarding descent, direction, shape...?

4. Can nano technolg, for instance, help mechanically control the shape of a parachute-like item to control shape to stear direction?

These and potential wind sheer forces lead me to believe that just like the Segue assumes constant "falling", the squirrel is sensative to calculate constant direction forces of wind. If so, could it be possible that in like manner something like nano-technology attached to hair-like fibers (which highly multiplied surface area beyond what parachute materials now employ) provide the means of data collection and shape-change necessary to control decent as well as steer. If so, parachute size could significantly decrease while functionality increases.

Could a human ever be aided to fly like a flying squirrel does?

You have a great concept. The control approach you are describing reminds me of the "inherent instability" designed into newer generation fighters to make them more responsive... the hitch... you need computer assistance to keep the plane stable and the pilot might black out through part of the maneuver.

Flying squirrels glide on surfaces stretched between the front and back legs.

There are skydiving suits that do the same thing for humans. Remember the flying suits in the last Tomb Raider movie? In the scene where Lara Croft and partner jump off a building with "flying suits" on, the stunt was performed by the two men who invented the suits. No CGI, wires, nets, or other SFX were involved. This suit was invented by Patrick de Gayardon who was killed in parachute accident in April 1998 during testing of a new parachute type in Hawaii.

Aloha

Addendum: I looked at the video Ronin cited and that is tres' cool! I added the video to my 360 Blog. Was particularly impressed with the low approach to the ground made possible by the horizontal component of velocity... like opening a drag chute. Also note that I changed a word above: "inherent instability" is the correct mathematical term that will let you track down the flight applications, etc.

Could a human ever be aided to fly like a flying squirrel does?

If God wanted us to fly, we would.

Could a human ever be aided to fly like a flying squirrel does?

Yes, with the help of a Cessna, or a hang glider.

Could a human ever be aided to fly like a flying squirrel does?

Actually i saw a video of a guy jumping off of a cliff and gliding for like almost 2 minutes before pulling his chute. He had the material between his arms and legs. The next guy only glided for about 20 seconds so the1st guy must have had a lot of practice i guess.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...

Here's an example