Continuum Dynamics, Inc. (CDI) has recently received an STTR Phase I contract from the U.S. Navy to develop a family of retrofittable drag reduction systems to extend the range of tactical aircraft.
Most traditional approaches for improving aircraft range focus on reducing drag, by “cleaning up” the flow around the aircraft, redesigning the wing or fuselage, and/or enhancing the propulsion system for increased fuel efficiency – all of which require major airframe modifications and the associated timeline and costs to deploy. This effort seeks to build upon prior and ongoing work at CDI for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of War to develop a family of retrofittable wingtip turbine (WTT) -derived systems that can generate thrust and/or power by harvesting waste energy from the wake to increase aircraft range. This means that the WTT technology is compatible with, and would build on, more traditional aircraft enhancements (i.e. active/passive flow control, surface coatings, riblets, or propulsion system upgrades). The proposed family of systems consists of a series of increasingly sophisticated designs, which means that testing and integration can be undertaken in a tiered manner to facilitate and accelerate transition to the fleet as additional capabilities are demonstrated and desired.
NAVAIR Public Release SPR# 2025-0615. Distribution Statement A – Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.