The flight demonstrator of the project FLEXOP at the Special Airport Oberpfaffenhofen. Image: F. Vogl / TUM
Aeroelastic wing's first flight at Special Airport Oberpfaffenhofen Super-efficient wing takes off In a joint effort by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), researchers have successfully developed new technologies for lighter aircraft wings that are still extremely stable. These innovative wings could soon make flying both greener and more cost-efficient. Known as aeroelastic wings, on Tuesday they made their successful first flight at the airfield in Oberpfaffenhofen. Wings with a wider wingspan and less weight also have less air resistance and better energy-efficiency. Optimized lift behavior could save kerosene and thus reduce both emissions and costs. The limiting factor for building wings like these is the aerodynamic phenomenon known as "flutter". Aerodynamic drag and wind gusts result in continuously increasing wing vibration, similar to a flag in the wind.
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