A company working closely with NASA is testing airplane wing surfaces that can change shape.
FlexSys is currently testing out advance ‘shape-changing’ technology that—when applied to the surface of airplane wings—can potentially improve aerodynamic, and reduce noise during takeoff and landing. *NASA and FlexSys call this new technology ‘FlexFoil, or*‘variable geometry airfoil.’
FlexFoil has*already been adapted to a modified Gulfstream III, and *researchers are currently testing the aircraft at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.* While it is not yet clear whether or not the technology has matured enough for commercialization, engineers are optimistic about the prospect of applying FlexFoil to other aircrafts.
According to FlexSys and NASA engineers, the first few sets of data from test flights have shown that the technology ‘show design improvements in drag, noise, emission and fuel reductions.’* The FlexFoil assemblies are being tested at specific positions to see how they react in various flight conditions.* Ultimately, however, the researchers are aiming to have the technology adapt, in real time, to their flight environments.
The biggest benefit to these FlexFoil flaps are they’re parts that engineers can retrofit on existing planes with.* If the concept and design matures even further, engineers may one day be able to quickly adapt FlexFoil to their planes, and witness the immediate impact in aerodynamics and improved fuel efficiency.
“We expect this technology to make future aircraft lighter, more efficient, and quieter.* It also has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in fuel costs,” said Thomas Rigney, a project manager responsible for testing the new FlexFoil technology.
Source: Phys.org
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