University of NSW researchers have developed a new organic design utilizing rows of tiny jets along the top of the aircraft wing for smoothing airflow over a wing. The devices may from 1 to 3.5 % on the cost of fuel. PHD student Nicholas Findanis based his research on how marine creatures such as octopus, squid and jellyfish propel themselves through water.
In the meantime, Airbus is developing devices called Sharklets, at a cost of $969,000 which will be installed on Air New Zealand A320s by the end of 2012, followed by A321s, A319s and A318s.
