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Air Force Lab Test Out "Aircraft Surfing" Technique To Save Fuel

coondoggie writes "It's not a totally new concept, but the Air Force is testing the idea of flying gas-guzzling cargo aircraft inline allowing the trailing aircraft to utilize the cyclonic energy coming off the lead plane — a concept known as vortex surfing — over long distances to save large amounts of fuel. According to an Air force release, a series of recent test flights involving two aircraft at a time, let the trailing aircraft surf the vortex of the lead aircraft, positioning itself in the updraft to get additional lift without burning extra fuel."

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  1. Re:NASCAR by h4rr4r · · Score: 5, Informative

    Drafting is also used in racing leagues that turn right and have drivers and fans educated enough to read.