Low-drag aircraft coatings and surface textures

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steelpillow

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AeroSHARK (also referred to as Novaflex) is a skin surface finish for aircraft, intended to reduce drag. Developed by Lufthansa Technik and plastic films manufacturer BASF, it is inspired by the microstructure of marine shark's skin. Its texture comprises masses of tiny riblets, measuring 50 micrometers (0.05 mm/0.002 in/2 thou) in height.
It has now reached the stage where SWISS International Air Lines have ordered it up for their entire Boeing 777 fleet.
Fuel savings are estimated at 1.1%, equivalent to 15,000 tons of CO2 annually.
A couple of news links to get you going:
www.theengineer.co.uk

SWISS equips Boeing 777-300ER fleet with AeroSHARK - The Engineer

SWISS International Air Lines is set to equip its entire Boeing long-haul fleet with the fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology.
www.theengineer.co.uk www.theengineer.co.uk
www.autoevolution.com

SWISS to Cover Its Boeing 777 Fleet With Shark-Like Skin Tech

Swiss Air Lines (SWISS) announced that it will gradually equip its Boeing 777-300ER fleet with new AeroSHARK aircraft skin technology. As a result, the aircraft will be more fuel-efficient and produce less carbon dioxide emissions.
www.autoevolution.com www.autoevolution.com

Finally, something a bit more advanced than the old WWII practice of waxing-down a matt camouflaged plane for extra speed when needed.
But whatever happened to the golf-ball dimples, whale warts and similar experiments I seem to recall?
 
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Always wondered why they don't coat subs and torpedoes with hydrophobic coatings.
 
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