- 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).
- 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).