Money-Saving Microvanes Inch Closer to Fleetwide C-17 Use
Jan. 22, 2025 | By David Roza
Small new devices meant to save money spent on gas by reducing aerodynamic drag are inching closer to fleetwide adoption for the Air Force’s 222 C-17 transport jets.
Microvanes are 3D-printed out of composite materials into thin blades about 16 inches long. When attached to the rear exterior of the C-17 fuselage, microvanes reduce drag, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1 percent compared to unmodified C-17s.
Though 1 percent may not sound like much, the Air Force said it will save up to $14 million annually over the frequent flights C-17s take around the world.
“Every gallon of fuel saved strengthens our readiness and operational effectiveness,” Roberto Guerrero, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for operational energy, safety, and occupational health, said in a Jan. 14 press release. “By adding modern technology like microvanes to our legacy aircraft, we’re saving millions in fuel costs and building capability critical for maintaining our competitive edge in the era of great power competition.”
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-c-17-microvanes-test/
