Jets wrapped in ‘shark skin’ material could fly further on less fuel
The XB-1 prototype plane in flight, with shark skin material patches stuck on its belly
Boom Supersonic
A material with microscopic grooves mimicking those of shark skin could help commercial airliners – and even supersonic jets or military aircraft – save on fuel and reduce carbon emissions when cruising through the skies.
Commercial and military customers have already signed up to test the material, which is applied as patches. It was developed by Australian aerospace company MicroTau, and is designed to reduce drag when the grooves align with…
