NASA has tested a new shape-shifting wing technology, which integrates the control surfaces into the wing itself.
NASA's green aviation project is one step closer to developing technology that could make future airliners quieter and more fuel-efficient with the successful flight test of a wing surface that can change shape in flight. This past summer researchers replaced an airplaneās conventional aluminum flaps with advanced, shape-changing assemblies that form seamless bendable and twistable surfaces.
Basically, instead of the normal, segmented control surfaces we're all used to, this is a long twistable surface. The downside is difficult engineering and production cost. The upside is less space taken up (more fuel in the wing) and improved aerodynamics. The aerodynamic gains lead to less cost and is better for the environment (if that's your kind of thing).
I found a YouTube Promotional video from the company actually producing the wings. I'd love to see a video of the actual tests if anyone can find one.
(Score: 2) by Immerman on Friday May 01 2015, @01:27AM
Perhaps I'm missing something, but looking at the photos I suspect that these flexible "flaps" are in fact replacing not only the traditional flaps, but also the ailerons which ARE in use constantly for steering and whose rigid seams will cause some unavoidable measure of efficiency-robbing turbulence. At least there doesn't appear appear to be any discretely separable portion of the wing with which to control roll.