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Adaptive compliant trailing edge

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Test aircraft with ACTE. ACTE is the flexible surface closing the triangular gap between the flap (here extended to 20 degrees deflection) and the fixed wing.

Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) is a shape changing flap for aircraft wings, intended to reduce an aircraft's fuel costs up to 12% and reduce noise by up to 40% during take-off and landing. Airborne tests have been conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 7 November 2014 in collaboration with the United States Air Force.

History

The ACTE was invented by Sridhar Kota, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. Kota initially submitted his designs for an aircraft flexible wing about 20 years ago to the U.S Air Force. The concept was officially developed by FlexSys Inc., a company founded by Kota in 2000. FlexiSys received US$ 40 million in financial assistance from the Air Force's small business innovative research program, and the concept was successfully tested on 7 November 2014 with the involvement of NASA and the U.S Air Force Research Laboratory.[1][2][3][4]

Consumption control

The Flexible flap or FlexFoil, a modern interpretation of wing warping, is a sub group of airfoil technology. It is an efficient and more operational upgrade from hinged wing flaps (which folds out from under the wing's trailing edge), globally accepted by aircraft designers. The seamless technology helps in fuel savings of up to 12% on a new wing. The variable geometry wing helps reduce fuel consumption and load-alleviation. The enhanced control surface help reduce noise during takeoff and landing by up to 40%.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Nikhila, Henry (6 December 2014). "Osmania University man's 'wing' takes aerodynamics to new heights". Times of India. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  2. ^ "NASA Tests Revolutionary Shape Changing Aircraft Flap for the First Time". NASA. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  3. ^ "NASA eyes revolutionary aircraft wing technology". Fox News. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Sridhar Kota". University of Michigan. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Kota's FlexFoil Technology Gains Recognition". Retrieved 14 December 2014.
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