AeroSHARK: The Fuel-Saving Technology Inspired by Shark Skin Takes Flight in Austrian Airlines
Key Ideas
  • AeroSHARK, a sharkskin-inspired film developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, is set to save one percent of fuel burn per aircraft in Austrian Airlines' 777 fleet.
  • The technology, with microscopic ribs mimicking shark skin, has already been applied to 23 Boeing 777s from six different airlines, showing promising fuel efficiency results.
  • Airlines like Austrian and Japan Airlines are investing in such technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, especially for older aircraft facing the current supply chain crunch.
  • The application of biomimicry technology like AeroSHARK showcases innovative solutions in the aviation industry to make older aircraft more sustainable and efficient in the face of environmental challenges.
Austrian Airlines is adopting a revolutionary technology called AeroSHARK, inspired by shark skin, to improve the fuel efficiency of its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, AeroSHARK is a thin adhesive film with microscopic ribs that reduce drag on the fuselage, leading to a one percent reduction in fuel burn per aircraft. This is particularly significant for Austrian's older 777s, with the potential to save around 250 tonnes of fuel. The technology, based on research from the 1980s that discovered microstructures in shark skin for efficient swimming, showcases biomimicry in action by applying natural principles to aircraft design. The success of AeroSHARK has led to its application on 23 Boeing 777s across various airlines, indicating promising results in fuel efficiency improvements. Airlines like Japan Airlines are also exploring similar technologies, such as riblet coating film, to enhance fuel savings on their aircraft. As the aviation industry faces challenges in carbon emissions and supply chain constraints, the focus on improving the efficiency of older aircraft becomes crucial. These innovations not only contribute to sustainability goals but also demonstrate the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancement.
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