Aircraft Aerodynamic Efficiency – Even Windshield Wiper Position Matters
In the quest to reduce drag and increase efficiency, every detail matters, right down to the windshield wiper position. These were the findings from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) evaluation of a US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which simulated airflow over the nose section of the aircraft.
By repositioning the wipers into a vertical position, a drag reduction of 0.8% was achieved. By supplementing those gains with a slimmer wiper design, an additional 0.2% was added to the total benefit. And while 1% might not seem significant, it can save millions of dollars in fuel costs every year when applied to an entire fleet of aircraft.
Embraer Energia Patent Filing Shows Concrete Steps Toward Hybrid Turboprop Development
Embraer’s Energia concept moves from marketing to protected IP with granted design patent USD1130272. Analysis of four hybrid-electric turboprop configurations filed in 2022.
Dassault Falcon 10X Makes First Flight
Dassault’s Falcon 10X completed its maiden flight on June 19, 2026, positioning it against the Gulfstream G700 with a slightly larger cabin despite slightly reduced speed and range.
Otto Update: Three Takeaways from the Phantom 3500 Preliminary Design Review
A look at some of the latest details revealed in Otto Aerospace’s forthcoming business jet.
