TUI Group, Boeing and NASA are joining forces for a scientific project to improve aviation efficiency, reduce noise and carbon emissions.
The first test flight of the ‘ecoDemonstrator 757’ has taken off from Seattle and will now fly for several months to try out new technologies.
On the left wing of the aircraft, Boeing will test technologies designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, for example a Krueger shield that can protect the leading edge of the wing from insects.
On the right wing, NASA will test bug-phobic coatings to reduce the drag caused by the residue left.
On the vertical tail, NASA and Boeing are testing active flow control to improve airflow over the rudder and maximise its aerodynamic efficiency.
Based on wind-tunnel testing, active flow control could improve the rudder’s efficiency by up to 20% and may allow for a smaller vertical tail design in the future.
"We are very pleased to partner with Boeing for the next phase of their ecoDemonstrator program, as TUI Group is highly committed to achieving further environmental efficiency across our whole business and remaining the industry leader on carbon efficiency with our airlines," said Thomas Ellerbeck, member of the TUI Group Executive Committee.
