Innovations
Fly like a bird: fello’fly project inspired by nature to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Airbus recently unveiled fello’fly, its latest demonstrator project giving Airbus engineers fresh insight to how aircraft flying together could boost environmental performance and reduce fuel consumption during long-haul flights, while contributing to International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) emissions-reduction industry targets.
According to Nick Macdonald, fello’fly Demonstrator Leader, and Karl-Heinz Mai, Experimental Test Pilot, migrating geese flying in a V shape inspired this project. It’s only in recent decades that scientists have figured that birds fly in a “V” shape because they each retrieve some of the leader bird’s energy and immediately benefit from free lift. This is called “wake-energy retrieval,” and Airbus’ goal is to apply it to aircraft.
So, how does wake-energy retrieval benefit aircraft? Just like birds, every aircraft creates a wake while flying, so flying together could help a follower aircraft to retrieve lost kinetic energy and benefit from “free” lift, enabling it to reduce engine thrust and fuel consumption. According to calculations, the reductions range between 5-10 percent per trip.
In 2016, Airbus began exploring the possible benefits and feasibility of wake-energy retrieval with a test campaign that involved an A350 flying behind an A380. The tests yielded fuel burn savings of over 10 percent and with cabin-comfort levels suitable for commercial operations.
Within the two-year project, Airbus aims to show the technical, operational and commercial feasibility of wake-energy retrieval. The test flights for the technical aspects are scheduled to start this year. Further testing to prove operational viability, including a cross-Atlantic flight involving two aircraft, is scheduled for 2021.
Airbus also aims to prove economic viability for all industry stakeholders, if the project is to be deployed at a larger scale. Airbus is working closely with regulatory bodies, such as the ICAO, to prepare the legal framework and technical standards necessary for this kind of operation.
For more information contact:
Daniel Percy
fello'fly Director Business & Customers