Lufthansa Technik and BASF have successfully developed AeroSHARK, a surface technology that imitates the properties of sharkskin, allowing for an optimization of aerodynamics on flow-related parts of the aircraft.
Starting from 2022, all Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777E freighters will be equipped with AeroSHARK, a new surface technology jointly developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF that will improve fuel efficiency and help airlines to reach sustainability target. Mimicking the fine structure of a shark’s skin, the surface film – which consists of riblets measuring around 50 micrometres– will lower the frictional resistance, thus lowering also fuel consumption.
“Responsibility for the environment and society is a key strategic topic for us,” says Christina Foerster, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG with responsibility for sustainability. “We have always played a leading role in introducing environmentally friendly technologies. The new sharkskin technology for aircraft shows what strong and highly innovative partners can achieve collectively for the environment. This will help us to achieve our goal of climate neutrality by 2050.”
“The aviation industry is facing similar challenges to the chemical industry: ongoing progress must be made with climate protection despite high energy requirements. By collaborating closely and successfully combining our know-how in surface design and aerodynamics, we have now succeeded in taking a major step forward. This is an excellent example of sustainability in practice, achieved through partnership-based collaboration and innovative technologies,” says Dr. Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF.
Lufthansa Technik estimates a drag reduction of more than 1%: it means that, for a ten aircraft fleet, it will save around 3,700 tons of kerosene per year. In the past, the two companies already managed to reduce emissions, but now the savings for the Boeing 777F are estimated to be even higher, since the application areas are larger, compared to previous small-scale applications. Initial model calculations seem to suggest that sharkskin technology at its highest expansion level could reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 3%.
Lufthansa Technik will manage the material specification and approval by the aviation authorities, as well as the performance of aircraft modifications. The company will also obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the 777F from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is required for operation.
“We are proud that we will now be able to operate our entire freighter fleet even more efficiently in the future thanks to sharkskin technology and reduce the carbon footprint of our modern fleet further. The investments we have made in rolling out AeroSHARK at Lufthansa Cargo consciously reaffirm our commitment to the United Nation’s sustainable development goal on climate action,” explains Dorothea von Boxberg, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Cargo AG.
Exterior surfaces in aviation are exposed to several factors (i.e., strong UV radiations, pressure fluctuations) and need to adhere to strict requirements. The Coating division of BASF, through its Beyond Paint Solutions unit, has therefore focused its efforts on achieving durability and weather resistance.
“We have always used our wealth of expertise as a global market leader in technical aircraft services to also contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of our industry. In doing so, we can leverage significant savings potential from all aircraft generations,” explains Dr. Johannes Bussmann, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik AG. “I am therefore very proud that we will soon be able to transfer the positive findings of the validation phase into the series application with Lufthansa Cargo. The extremely constructive collaboration with BASF is also the best example of cross-sector cooperation in the interest of the sustainability of the aviation industry.”
“As an expert in surfaces, we implement bespoke solutions for our customers. The innovative sharkskin technology allows us to support Lufthansa in achieving its sustainability goals and in making the aviation industry a little more environmentally friendly,” says Dirk Bremm, head of BASF’s Coatings division.