NASA has begun a new phase of flight testing with the experimental laminar-flow wing concept known as the CATNLF (Compact Advanced Technology Nonplanar Laminar Flow).
The technology has been installed on a research F-15B, enabling aerodynamic evaluations under real-world conditions without the need to develop an entirely new aircraft.
For the trials, engineers mounted a wing mockup approximately 40 inches (about 1 meter) long in a vertical position beneath the jet’s fuselage. This configuration makes it possible to measure airflow behavior in an operational environment, reducing costs and accelerating the technology validation cycle.
First flight focused on safety and envelope expansion
The inaugural flight lasted approximately 75 minutes. According to the project’s principal investigator, Michelle Banchi, the initial objective was to demonstrate that the F-15B could operate safely and predictably with the prototype installed.
“The first flight primarily focused on expanding the flight envelope,” Banchi explained. In technical terms, this means gradually evaluating different altitudes, speeds, and attitudes to verify stability, control authority, and structural integrity before moving on to more demanding profiles.
Upcoming tests will be more challenging
The campaign includes at least 15 additional flights, which will introduce progressively more complex operational regimes. At this stage, engineers will:
- Modify speed conditions and angle of attack
- Monitor transitions between laminar and turbulent flow
- Compare real-world data with computational fluid dynamics models
Flow monitoring is carried out using an infrared camera. Because turbulence generates different surface heating compared to laminar flow, thermal variations allow engineers to precisely map where aerodynamic transition occurs on the surface of the experimental wing.
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Potential for fuel savings
The laminar flow concept is considered strategic for both commercial and military aviation. By reducing aerodynamic drag, wings designed to maintain laminar flow for longer periods can significantly decrease fuel consumption and emissions.
If the tests confirm the expected results, CATNLF technology could influence the design of future aircraft, contributing to greater energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and lower environmental impact across the aviation sector.
Source and images: NASA. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
