Jets May Soon Fly Farther and Use Less Fuel with Shark Skin-Inspired Technology
Aerospace engineers are turning to nature to revolutionize flight efficiency—specifically, the skin of a shark. Inspired by the micro-textured surface of these marine predators, researchers have developed synthetic films that mimic their dermal denticles to reduce aerodynamic drag on aircraft surfaces.
These shark skin-like films, called riblets, guide airflow more efficiently over an aircraft’s body, potentially lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. One innovator, Australian startup MicroTau, has created a plastic film embedded with microscopic grooves using precision laser technology. In early testing, this solution showed the potential to boost fuel efficiency by up to 4%.
Another major development comes from Lufthansa Technik and BASF, who co-developed “AeroSHARK,” a riblet-covered film that can be applied to large jets like the Boeing 777. Real-world tests have revealed annual fuel savings exceeding 1% per aircraft.
Airlines such as Jetstar and Delta are already conducting commercial and military trials, signaling growing interest. While questions remain about durability and cost under long-term use, the aviation sector views this as a promising path toward lower emissions and improved performance.
If scaled effectively, shark skin-inspired coatings could become a vital tool in the push for greener aviation.