Developers say this invention is more than a stretch, because climate change has already caused winds in the atmosphere to accelerate. The number and activity of turbulence zones has increased by 55%, so further air travel is unlikely to be comfortable.

How does it work

The idea is to move the air pressure sensors as far ahead of the aircraft as possible so that the system has time to react to entering the turbulence zone before the aircraft itself enters it. The 2.65 meter long struts on each wing are suitable for a single-seat light aircraft. Depending on the received signal, automation activates aircraft controls to compensate for the effects of turbulence.

• In experimental flights in 2021, the technology showed 62% efficiency. While driving at cruising speeds, the system was able to activate in 0.1 seconds.
• Since then, the technology has been improved and today, according to its developers, can smooth out 80% of all fluctuations.

The economic aspect is much more important; With such equipment, pilots will be able to fly over potentially dangerous areas without bypassing them. And without discomfort and possible risk of injury to passengers. Not only will 10% savings be achieved on fuel, but this technology can also be adapted for use in drones. It is assumed that for light aircraft the commercial version will appear in 2024, for UAVs – in 2026, and for all aviation – in 2030.

Demonstration of turbulence suppression technology: video