TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Pinpointing Consumption "Sweet Spot" Makes Formation Flight More Fuel Efficient (DRC-TOPS-22)

NASA's Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses . THE TECHNOLOGY: NASA researchers have conceptualized a way to more accurately estimate the best location for a trailing aircraft in a formation in order to optimize fuel efficiency. The wake vortex of a leading aircraft creates an updraft that minimizes drag on a trailing aircraft, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. This method estimates the location for optimal fuel savings. Operators can save 5 percent to 10 percent in fuel costs per hour through optimal aircraft placement. Given that a loaded aircraft uses thousands of gallons of fuel per hour, even minor improvements in fuel efficiency can add up to significant savings. To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/DRC-TOPS-22 If you have any questions, please contact NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center's Technology Transfer Office at [email protected] v with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA's Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice .