This news report from Fin24.com says that plans are afoot that in the not-to-distant future we could be seeing long-distance passenger aircraft between South Africa and Europe making like birds and flying in V-formation. The reason? To cut down on fuel consumption.
How does that work?
Well the idea is based on research by two engineering students (at the University of Cape Town''s Department of Mechanical Engineering) namely Nic Bizinos and Drewan Sanders, currently working towards their MSc degrees in engineering.
According to the news report:
Studies have shown that flying in formation could save aircraft up to 20% of their fuel consumption. Research on formation flying in turbulent conditions, however, is required – especially the effect of turbulence on passenger comfort in the aircraft behind the first one.
The idea is not new because wartime aircraft have flown in formation since World War I.
Read the full story at Fin24
1 Response to SA International Planes to Fly in V Formation?
Interesting idea if it works it will get a huge success!
By Hanukkah Gifts (5 years ago)