Fluid mechanics was my jam before my software engineer days! Unfortunately, I think the FAA strict regulations will prevent any of the good innovations. But you can do this thing called flow control where you can control where the boundary layer detaches on the wing. You can achieve different L/D ratios and save a TON of fuel cost. NASA supposedly was going to try it on the X-37B but civilians never knew if they did or not.
Your browser can probably provide a reasonable translation on demand from a nearby service. FF on Linux does, so surely whatever you are rocking can manage it too.
Yes I am aware that it is the year 2026 but I don't use Firefox and there is no way to translate it. Last time I checked HN is still an English language public square, while there's instances of different languages used its more often for the comments.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48260117
They talk about reducing skin friction drag but due to the translation I'm not sure if that's what this article is referring to as well.
- The 43% is peak drag reduction in the transition zone only, the bit between laminar and turbulent flow, not across all flight conditions.
- Aerodynamic drag is one part of fuel burn, not a 1:1 proxy. There's also engine efficiency, etc.
- This is skin friction drag on a wind tunnel model, not a full aircraft which has extra bits like windscreen wipers.
I still think it's exciting but I reckon fuel savings would amount to a few percent (aeronautical engineers, please correct me if I'm wrong).
Your browser can probably provide a reasonable translation on demand from a nearby service. FF on Linux does, so surely whatever you are rocking can manage it too.
There are lots more options.
You are the minority demanding to be catered to.
This community is also undoubtedly composed of the kind of problem solver that can overcome this kind of hurdle.