#1197: Aeroskin

Today’s invention is an enhancement to existing aerofoil design.

A motor powers a set of sprocket wheels embedded within the body of an aircraft wing, near the leading edge. This drives a carbon fibre belt, which moves as shown.

This arrangement speeds the flow over the top surface of the aerofoil, without increasing drag on its lower surface, resulting in a significant increase in lift without a large weight increase.

(It also helps reduce ice build-up on wing surfaces).