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From the sea to the air, shark skin inspires Lufthansa to seek greater fuel savings and reduction of CO emissions2 on their planes. Prensa Lufthansa's photo.
The lower the drag resistance of a plane in the air, less will be the consumption of combustible. Using the nature as a role model, the aviation industry has been intensively researching ways to reduce drag for many years.
Now, Lufthansa Technik and BASF have achieved a breakthrough as part of a joint project. AeroSHARK, a surface film that mimics the fine structure of shark skin, will be deployed across the entire freighter fleet of Lufthansa Cargo since the beginning of 2022, which will make the aircraft more economical and reduce its emissions.
The surface structure consisting of riblets measuring about 50 micrometers mimics the properties of shark skin and, Thus, optimizes aerodynamics in the parts of the aircraft related to airflow.
This means less fuel is needed overall. for freighters Boeing 777F by Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik estimates a drag reduction of more than one percent. For the entire fleet of ten aircraft, This translates into annual savings of around 3.700 tons of kerosene and just under 11.700 tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to 48 individual cargo flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai.
In its cooperation with BASF, Lufthansa Technik is responsible for the material specification, approval by aviation authorities and performance of aircraft modifications performed as part of regular maintenance stopovers. Backed by decades of experience as an approved aviation design organization, the company will obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the 777F of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), what is required to operate.
BASF's Coatings division is developing innovative and functional films at its Beyond Paint Solutions unit, like the surfaces of riblets, for instance. A solution was implemented together with Lufthansa Technik that meets the stringent requirements of the aviation industry.
Exterior surfaces used in aviation are exposed to factors such as strong ultraviolet radiation, as well as temperature and pressure fluctuations in high altitudes, among others. Therefore, BASF has focused its development on achieving extreme durability and weather resistance. Key criteria for use in aviation operations include easy application and handling, as well as ease of repair, for which a personalized concept has been developed.
No shark has been harmed for the development of this technological advance.
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