Benefits
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Lower carbon emissions
- Extend flight range
- Reduce engine wear
Microvanes™ are small, 3D printed aerodynamic components that are surface-mounted on the fuselage of an aircraft to effectively reshape tail section airflow and reduce total drag on the aircraft. Lower drag means lower fuel and thrust requirements, which improves flight performance and reduces fuel costs for aircraft operators.
Microvanes are the single most cost-effective way to improve afterbody airflow due to low upfront cost, ease of installation, and minimal aircraft downtime. Developed by Lockheed Martin with cooperation and support from the U.S. Air Force and rigorously tested by the U.S. Coast Guard over 10 years and 18,000 flight hours, Microvanes are proven to provide as much as 4% fuel savings during cruise conditions while also reducing engine wear. Configurations have been optimized for maximum performance while verifying no adverse impact on airdrop operations from a ramp or paratroop door.
Today, Microvane technology is in use on five continents and is commercially available for the C-130 (C-130H, C-130J, L-100) and the C-17. Microvanes can be optimized and retrofitted to other existing military and commercial aircraft.
For more information about Microvane technology and its ability to adapt to new airframes, contact us.