The mako shark may not be the biggest, but it is the fastest and one of the most ferocious of all the shark species. Capable of traveling as fast as 60 mph over sustained distances, the mako has been known to spring surprise attacks on humans, though it doesn’t prefer human flesh. Its favorite food is tuna, and its body has evolved to surpass the speed of its prey. Its tail is similar to the tuna’s, and its musculature is buried near the spine, unlike other sharks with muscles that run alongside the outer surface of the body. The result of this evolutionary refinement is super speed.
Anequim Project
Key Takeaways:
- The Anequim CEA-311, a light-composite aircraft developed by students and professors at Brazil's CEA-UFMG, has achieved multiple world speed records, reaching 324 mph (282 knots).
- Inspired by the incredibly fast mako shark, Anequim's design features advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber construction, and a highly modified Lycoming engine to maximize speed.
- Professor Paulo Iscold leverages these challenging record-breaking projects to provide hands-on experience and motivate his students in all aspects of aircraft design, fabrication, and flight testing.
- The team's success in setting records also led to their expertise being utilized by professional air racing teams, such as Team Bonhomme in the Red Bull Air Race, for aerodynamic optimization.
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