Microvane Technology

Microvane Technology

[vc_row type=”in_container” bg_parallax=”” color_overlay=”” vu_equal_height_columns=”” row_id=”” el_class=””][vc_column vu_vertical_align=”middle”][vu_heading heading=”Microvane Technology” subheading=”” alignment=”left” custom_colors=”” class=”m-t-0″][vc_column_text]

Very simply, Microvanes generate swirl in direction opposite to natural aft fuselage vortices and reshapes air flow around the aft cargo door; thereby, reducing total drag and thrust requirements on the aircraft.

Extensive testing for flight (over 18,000 hours), wind tunnel, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was completed from 2003-2014, validating Microvane safety and optimization of the design configuration to produce optimal drag reduction results.

While trend data was retrieved from the Post-flight Removable Memory Module (RMM), other impact and structural data was extracted from the Automated Inspection, Repair, Corrosion and Aircraft Tracking (AIRCAT) system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” bg_parallax=”” color_overlay=”” vu_equal_height_columns=”” row_id=”” el_class=””][vc_column vu_vertical_align=”top”][vu_heading heading=”Proven Effective, Tested for Safety” subheading=”” alignment=”left” custom_colors=”” class=”m-t-0″][vc_column_text]The following summarizes the aerodynamic performance tests and conditions that were evaluated with a focus on safety, drag reduction, optimization, and handling:

  • Range of flight conditions: climb, cruise, descent, airdrop, traffic/approach; at a range of weights, speeds and altitudes
  • Long and short C-130 aircraft assessed
  • Propeller effects assessed
  • DIRCM & LAIRCM Fairings impact assessed
  • Stability and control impact assessed
  • Air Drop and Paratroop testing
  • Material and adhesive testing
  • Approximately 300 CFD solutions generated for drag and handling validation
  • Aerodynamic Loads and structural analysis created for safety
  • System Safety assessment developed for flight handling (FHA)

[/vc_column_text][vu_heading heading=”Patent Information” subheading=”” alignment=”left” custom_colors=”” class=”m-t-0″][vc_column_text]U.S. Patent 8,226,038 B2, issued 7/24/2012, Titled “Microvanes for Aircraft Aft Body Drag Reduction”

European Patent Application EP 2 230 175 A2, Filed 3/17/2010, Titled “Microvanes for Aircraft Aft Body Drag Reduction”

U.S. Patent 9,079,658 B2, issued 7/14/2015, Titled “Vortex Generation Device”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]