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3.1.1.5 gust sensors

Traditionally, aircraft are built with heavy, stiff wings to survive rare, extreme turbulence events. By using gust sensors (using LiDAR technology) to scan the air ahead, the aircraft can "see" a gust before impact. This allows the flight computer to proactively adjust control surfaces—a process called Active Gust Load Alleviation (GLA).

The decarbonisation impact could be significant: by dampening peak structural loads, wings can be designed to be lighter, saving hundreds of kilograms in mass. Furthermore, this predictive intelligence enables the use of Ultra-High Aspect Ratio (long, thin) wings that would otherwise be too flexible, reducing induced drag significantly. By shifting from reactive to proactive load management, gust sensors turn the airframe into a smarter, lighter, and more fuel-efficient system.