Ideal falcons have body masses of 0.5–2.0 kg and morphological and aerodynamic properties based on those measured for real falcons. This study investigates the aerodynamic and gravitational forces on ‘ideal falcons’ and uses a mathematical model to calculate speed and acceleration during diving.
Estimates of their top speed in a dive range up to 157 m s −1, although speeds this high have never been accurately measured. Some falcons, such as peregrines ( Falco peregrinus), attack their prey in the air at the end of high-speed dives and are thought to be the fastest of animals.
