The Space Agency says the seamless, flexible edge wing design could save millions of dollars annually in fuel costs, reduce airframe weight and decrease aircraft noise during takeoffs and landings.
The flexible Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) flaps are designed to morph throughout an entire range of motion. However, the test aircraft - fitted with the experimental ACTE - was flown with its flap angles fixed at ranges from -2 degrees up to 30 degrees to collect incremental data with a minimum of risk.
ACTE technology, which can be retrofitted to existing airplane wings or integrated into entirely new airframes, enables engineers to reduce wing structural weight and to aerodynamically tailor the wings to promote improved fuel economy while also reducing environmental and noise impacts.
