[Avionics Today 3-18-2015] Boeing has launched the latest series of test flights for its ecoDemonstrator program with the 757. The airframe manufacturer is collaborating with NASA and TUI Group on the 757 flight testing to evaluate new wing and carbon emission reduction technology.
Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator. Photo: Boeing.
Under a contract with NASA’s Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project, the ecoDemonstrator will test bug-phobic coatings designed to reduce the residue left by bug strikes on the leading edges of aircraft wings. The goal is to enable more drag-reducing laminar flow over the remainder of the wing.
“Having a relevant test bed, like Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator, to help mature technology concepts is extremely important to NASA’s Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project,” said Fay Collier, ERA project manager, NASA. “Our researchers have been working hard to develop technologies to reduce airplane fuel consumption, noise and emissions. Being able to prove those concepts in flight tests gives them a better shot of getting into the commercial fleet.”