40% reduction in skin friction achieved

Steve said:
The new approach, which promises to dramatically reduce mid-flight drag, uses tiny air powered jets which redirect the air, making it flow sideways back and forth over the wing.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084721.htm
Click to expand...

That sounds promising and fairly simple, like existing micro vortex generators already in use.

Early tests on perforated wing skins were abandoned due to system complexity and plugging of the holes in the skin. I think the airframe used was the Bat.
 
Sounds very interesting but I just can't visualize how that would work. I wonder if the cost of development will be justified. I guess over the cost of all airliners and military planes out there it would.
 
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