Lufthansa Technik and Airbus explore potential of drag-reduction film on A330 wings and tail surfaces

Collaboration looks to broaden application of ‘AeroShark’ riblet technology to older-variant twinjets.

Airbus is co-operating with maintenance specialist Lufthansa Technik to broaden the scope of a drag-reducing film to cover the wings, fin and horizontal stabilisers of A330 twinjets.

The ‘AeroShark’ film — which uses ribless to mimic the characteristics of shark skin — was originally developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings for Boeing 777s.

Last year the maintenance firm embarked on a project to apply the film to the fuselage and engine nacelles of older-variant A330s.

But the collaboration is extending the potential of the film by exploring whether the wings and empennage surfaces of the A330 can also be modified — and generate additional fuel-saving benefits.

If the technical feasibility is confirmed it will form part of the supplementary type certificate. Lufthansa Technik says the modification is “intended to be commercialised” if approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Lufthansa Technik’s engineering division will be tasked with executing the concept, supported by Airbus.

“The certification programme will comprehensively assess the impact of riblet application on flight dynamics,” it states.

This will cover lightning-strike protection, structural loads, maintenance aspects and relevant aircraft systems, such as those for flight control, navigation and the autopilot.

Lufthansa Technik estimates that a fully-modified A330 will save 2% in fuel on typical long-haul operations.

Airbus figures indicate that over 1,200 A330-200s and -300s remain in the global fleet.

Lufthansa Technik says it aims to bring together its modification capabilities and Airbus’s aircraft knowledge to “unlock the full potential of riblet technology” for the model.

“With the support of Airbus, we are developing a product solution that could contribute to the industry’s decarbonisation goals,” says Lufthansa Technik senior director for OEM partner management Henning Linnekogel.

Around 30 Boeing 777s have already undergone fitting with the AeroShark film, and this has demonstrated the advantages of the technology.

“Our goal is to support as many airlines as possible in achieving their sustainability targets,” says Lufthansa Technik vice-president of OEM and special engineering services Andrew Muirhead.

“We are continuously evolving AeroShark, by certifying it for additional aircraft types — such as the A330 — and by expanding its application to even larger and more aerodynamically-relevant surfaces.”