Why This New Wing Design is the Future of Aviation

In the ever-evolving realm of aviation, where innovation knows no bounds, a new era is dawning. Imagine an aircraft with wings that adapt and transform, just like the mesmerizing metamorphosis of a butterfly. These are not just flights of fancy; they result from cutting-edge engineering and scientific bliss. Welcome to the world of metamorphic wings, where adaptability meets aerodynamics to revolutionize how we fly. A perfect real-world example where this technology has already started to creep into aviation is NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport aircraft, which uses carbon-fiber composite technology to reduce the loudness level of its sonic boom. This same technology is being used in the tests for these “metamorphic wings”. In this video, we will delve into the fascinating concept of metamorphic wings, exploring their mechanics, benefits, and their undeniable potential to shape the future of aviation.
00:00 - INTRO
01:39 - Evolution of Flight
02:20 - Shape-Shifting Aerodynamics
03:43 - The Proof in Numbers
04:26 - Adapting to Efficiency
06:00 - Beyond Conventional Aircraft
07:57 - Challenges

[@larryhyak2529]

If this can be applied to aircraft, then it can be applied to water craft......

[@tobiasz6613]

Wing warping was replaced by aileron control during the first world war....swing-wing (e.g F14, Tornado) designs of the 80s were replaced by fixed wing (e.g F22, F35). Working in a wind tunnel is a long way for servicable aircraft. I remain somewhat unsold on this idea. That's even before thinking about redudancy and modes of failure. That, and 10, 15, 25% fuel saving isn't going to make air travel as we know it now sustainable (IMO).

[@truvc]

Why don’t military planes use winglets?

[@Awesomes007]

Fuel savings isn’t at the top of their list of priorities.

[@truvc]

@@Awesomes007 I mean cargo planes not fighters/attack craft

[@EvanAndersen-et9qy]

​@@truvc Increasing span is typically more efficient than adding winglets - commercial airliners typically use winglets to limit the span of their wing, so they will fit into certain gate sizes. This is not really a concern for military planes, so they simply build a wider wing.

[@leanierejuso5401]

Bad idea, repeatative bending will end up in material fatigue and finally breakage

[@wweeaazzeell]

unless they use a material that's easily malleable and doesn't snap/shatter under stress (hint: those materials exist)