is it possible for quadrupedal or hexapodal flying monster to fly well while their limbs retracted?

just suddenly struck by curiosity, i vaguely remember that big quadrupedal or hexapodal (if you count the wings) animals cant fly well basically. I dont remember why, but i think it was related to aerodynamics but correct me if i am wrong.

so i wonder: what if the limbs were retractable like a turtle's head or limbs, with either all 4 limbs or just the two front/back ones being retracted during flight (though honestly I'd prefer if only two limbs were retracted)

Is it a possible biological or anatomical solution, or would it still not fly well?

if it possible, would be helpful to include images of how it could look like or about the biomechanism.

and basically this is a monster so their size ranges from pteranodon to Quetzalcoatlus.

i imagine they'd run with the four limbs to gain leverage and then retract the limbs while flying.

Feel free to edit my grammar and the tag to the appropriate one, (though i appreciate it if this is not removed when you edit it, give others a chance to know that they are welcome to fix or edit this, if theres still some mistake left.

posted over 4 years ago

Li Jun‭

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