AIRBUS USES NATURE TO BOOST PERFORMANCE
Airbus has unveiled fello’fly, its latest project inspired by biomimicry.
Using the same principal as migrating geese, fello’fly aims to show the viability of two aircraft flying together for long-haul flights, with the following aircraft retrieving the energy lost by the wake of a leader aircraft, by flying in the smooth updraft of air it creates.
This provides lift to the follower aircraft allowing it to decrease engine thrust and therefore reduce fuel consumption in the range of 5-10% per trip. In terms of the operational solution, Airbus is working, in collaboration with airlines and ATC providers, to identify the operational needs and suitable solutions for executing fello’fly operations.
Given the high potential for a positive environmental impact for the industry, Airbus is targeting an ambitious timeline for a controlled Entry-Into-Service (EIS), which is expected before the middle of the next decade.
