Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Airplane Coatings Help Recoup Fuel Efficiency Lost To Bug Splatter

Posted by samzenpus on from the and-stay-off dept.

MTorrice writes: When bugs hit the wings of oncoming airplanes, they create a problem. Their blood, called hemolymph, sticks to an airplane's wings, disrupting the smooth airflow over them and reducing the aircraft's fuel efficiency. To fight the problem, NASA is working on developing a coating that could help aircraft repel bug remains during flight. After experimenting with almost 200 different formulations, researchers recently flight-tested a few promising candidates. Results showed that they could reduce the amount of stuck bug guts on the wings by up to 40%. With further optimization, NASA says such coatings could allow planes to use 5% less fuel.

3 of 117 comments (clear)

  1. Help me with the puzzle by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Under every summary, there's a small puzzle of colored blocks. Looks like it says "bird fucking", but I don't get it.

  2. So if ... by PPH · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... bug parts detract from aircrafts' ability to fly, then how do bugs fly at all.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  3. Re:Pneumatic bug launcher for the win! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    We use Lemon Pledge to clean our Cessna at the flight club.

    But... the first rule of flight club is YOU DON'T TALK ABOUT FLIGHT CLUB !