Advancing Microvanes Approach Wide-Scale Deployment on C-17 Aircraft for Reduced Fuel Consumption
Revamped and Modernized C-17s: Saving Coin in the Air Force
Hey there! The U.S. Air Force is gearing up to save some serious bucks on gas by incorporating some nifty tech on their C-17 transport jets. These fancy new gadgets, called microvanes, are designed to cut down on fuel expenses by reducing aerodynamic drag.
Microvanes are these snazzy little devices made from composite materials, molded into slender blades about 16 inches long. Attach them to the rear exterior of the C-17, and voilà! The aircraft becomes more fuel-efficient, saving up to $14 million annually on the numerous international flights the C-17s make. Even though a 1% reduction in drag might sound miserly, every gallon of fuel saved boosts the Air Force's readiness and operational excellence, according to Roberto Guerrero, the Air Force's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operational Energy, Safety, and Occupational Health.
So where did these microvanes come from? Back in 2014, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) started tinkering with them. In 2021, the Department of Defense gave a contract to Metro Aerospace, which owns Lockheed Martin's patent on the tech, to investigate installing microvanes on C-130s and validate drag-reduction concepts that might be applicable to commercial aircraft, other military aircraft like the C-17, KC-135, and future vertical lift.
Cargo planes can have high drag in certain areas, like where the fuselage sweeps upward to accommodate a rear cargo door. By cutting down that drag, transports can transport troops, equipment, and supplies to more remote locations without breaking a sweat or emptying their wallets.
"We're all about staying flexible and effective in a constantly changing global landscape," Guerrero said. "What's more, using the money we save on fuel to fund other initiatives that up our combat capability."
In 2022, the AFRL and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center were working on certifying these microvanes for airworthiness. The subsequent year marked the beginning of final flight-testing, including air refueling and assault strip operations, which simulate combat landings.
Now, Air Force Operational Energy and Air Mobility Command are entering the final phase of evaluation, as per a recent press release. The C-17 used for testing is stationed at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. Lt. Col. Eric Durkins, commander of the 105th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Stewart, stated that the aircraft has been supporting worldwide missions for over a year without any hiccups.
Currently, six C-17s have been modified with microvanes, with another two expected to receive them at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., this month. This kicks off a six-month logistics service assessment, the final step before fleetwide implementation.
Microvanes serve as part of a broader Air Force initiative to streamline energy efficiency. The branch's 2023 Climate Campaign Plan aims to boost its "lethality per gallon," or the number of missions accomplished per gallon of gas or energy metric, using drag reduction, engine sustainment practices, and other innovations. By 2027, the Air Force envisions making operational energy usage for flying missions 5% more efficient, increasing to 7.5% by 2032. Additionally, the Air Force is investigating a more efficient blended wing body prototype, microgrids, and small nuclear reactors for less grid dependency during crises.
In essence, the Air Force is taking concrete steps to enhance its operational capabilities while keeping a tight rein on expenses. Go Air Force! fly higher!
- The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initially developed the microvanes technology in 2014, which is now being investigated for installation on various aircraft, such as the C-17 and KC-135, with the aim of reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.
- With the Air Force's modernization efforts, they are exploring more efficient technology for their aircraft, such as the use of microvanes, blended wing body prototypes, microgrids, and small nuclear reactors, all aimed at improving operational energy usage and reducing costs.
- As part of the Air Force's commitment to both operational excellence and cost savings, they have invested in technologies like microvanes, which, when installed on C-17 aircraft, can potentially save up to $14 million annually on fuel expenses for international flights.
