The U.S. space agency NASA has developed an advanced wing technology that could significantly reduce fuel consumption in commercial aircraft—an innovation that may one day be adapted for high-speed and even supersonic planes.
The new system, known as Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF), was recently tested using a specialized research model attached beneath NASA’s F-15B aircraft. According to initial results, the design enabled the test model to reach roughly 231.75 km/h before takeoff, reducing both aerodynamic drag and air resistance.
The core concept behind the technology is to manipulate the thin layer of air flowing over the upper surface of an aircraft wing in a way that naturally minimizes friction and suppresses turbulence. By reducing drag, engines require less power to maintain speed, leading to lower fuel burn.
Researchers say that applying CATNLF to large commercial aircraft—such as the Boeing 777—could potentially cut annual fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. The test did not require the construction of a full-scale new aircraft; instead, a three-foot-tall wing model was exposed to real aerodynamic conditions during the F-15B flight campaign.
NASA officials highlighted that lowering fuel use not only reduces operational costs but also decreases carbon emissions, supporting aviation’s long-term environmental goals. While future applications may extend to supersonic aircraft, NASA says the current focus is on enhancing the fuel efficiency of major commercial fleets.
Source: SlashGear.