LH-LHT-RFT

Flight-tests with multi-functional coatings

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The background of the general topic (multi-functional coatings) is to examine the wear behaviour of multi-functional coatings during real flight conditions. Lufthansa Airline and Lufthansa Technik as MRO provider fulfil all prerequisites itemised in the CfP and would be an ideal participant partnership to perform the projected flight test program. Lufthansa is an active driver of general clean sky policy topics and would like to support also relevant technical topics regarding this aspect. Lufthansa Airline operates its fleet world wide amongst others also to Asia and India. Lufthansa Technik as its main MRO provider has access to the aircraft and would cover all technical work packages (i.e. application of the multi-functional coatings supported by the ITD Topic leader, inspection of the coating areas during the test period including documentation of the measurement results, de-application of the coating etc.) most probably at its maintenance facilities in Frankfurt or Munich.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Keeping large jets in flight while traversing thousands of miles at high speed consumes quite a bit of fuel. Novel technology to reduce drag while reducing weight promises a significant reduction in fuel usage and associated costs and emissions.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Fuel is a major operating expense for the airline industry and its combustion is also an important source of emissions directly into the Earth's atmosphere. Reducing aircraft weight and/or drag can significantly reduce the amount of fuel needed for a given flight. Scientists evaluated a novel way to do both within the context of the EU-funded project 'Flight-tests with multi-functional coatings' (LH-LHT-RFT).

Riblets, literally tiny grooves like little ribs on an aeroplane's surface, can funnel air to reduce drag and fuel consumption. The riblets are typically applied as multifunctional coatings. New paint systems support embossing of the riblets directly into the paint itself, reducing processing time and materials usage. The latter leads to weight and cost reductions.

The trick to widespread implantation is to prove durability comparable to that of conventional coating systems. LH-LHT-RFT performed tests of riblet specimens applied on two commercial aircraft under realistic flight conditions to evaluate performance of the new integrated riblets. Success has inspired further projects with a focus on industrial-scale application.

Air travel volume continues to increase and the world has become a smaller place thanks to the rapid transit connecting people across thousands of miles for business and pleasure. Widespread adoption by the aerospace industry of technology tested in LH-LHT-RFT stands to have tremendous impact on the environmental effects of air travel. It would also provide an important competitive boost to the EU aerospace and coatings industries.