AeroSHARK

By now, 16 aircraft modified with the drag-reducing riblet film are roaming the skies. The eleven Boeing 777-300ERs of Swiss International Air Lines and four 777F of Lufthansa Cargo have been busy collecting flight hours. Along with Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-400 the squad has already accumulated more than 50,000 flight hours with AeroSHARK. 

As you have noticed, the population of AeroSHARK-modified Boeing 777s is growing. Thanks to the nature-inspired riblet film these aircraft are operating approximately one percent more fuel-efficient. The unique sharkskin technology, jointly developed with BASF, allows the aircraft to glide through the air with less friction, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions.

Our AeroSHARK fleet is not just making waves, it’s making real impact:

Just by using the sharkskin technology, the global fleet of long-haul aircraft could save close to five million tons of kerosene per year. And we are well past proof of concept! AeroSHARK is a durable bionic film that successfully mimics the skin of sharks and optimizes the airflow thus enabling significant fuel savings. 

Combining BASF's advances in coating technologies and application processes with our extensive experience in aircraft engineering, research and testing resulted in a unique solution. It checks all the key boxes: cost-effectiveness, scalability, retrofittability and sustainability. And the latter not only because of its impact on fuel savings and emissions reduction, but also due to its lower manufacturing and application footprint compared to other technologies. 

By late November 2019, it was clear that the riblet film jointly developed with BASF's Coatings Division was delivering on its promise under real-life operating conditions, too.  AVIATAR's Fuel Analytics solution was used to sense any variations in fuel consumption pre and post modification down to 0.8%, accurately accounting for externalities such as weather conditions, flight profile and even minor impacts on the fuselage. Initial results for the 747-400 with a lower fuselage modification showed a 0.8% drag reduction from the effect of AeroSHARK which translates into annual fuel savings of just about 300 metric tons of kerosene. This means a reduction in C0₂ emissions of more than 900 metric tons per year.