Parameter

4.5.1.5.7 formation flight

Formation flight is an operational technique where multiple aircraft fly in close proximity to exploit the upward-flowing wake vortices of the leading aircraft. This biomimetic strategy can save up to 10% of fuel on long-haul routes, representing a significant decarbonization gain. Challenges in implementing this flight method lie in designing automated, ultra-safe close-proximity control systems and resolving regulatory issues.

Hierarchy

4 technological themes
4.1 active aircraft control
4.2 data transfer technologies
4.3 energy carriers
4.4 net zero technologies
4.5 operational technologies
4.5.1 on-board operations
4.5.1.1 recharging in-flight
4.5.1.2 refueling in-flight
4.5.1.3 full autonomous flight
4.5.1.4 smart catering technology
4.5.1.5 navigation & routing
4.5.1.5.1 staged flight
4.5.1.5.2 4D trajectory and performance based navigation
4.5.1.5.3 continuous descent approach
4.5.1.5.4 ISSR avoidance (warming contrails)
4.5.1.5.5 atmospheric currents exploitation
4.5.1.5.6 energy optimized climb, cruise & descent
4.5.1.5.7 formation flight
4.5.1.5.7.1 group 'think' (swarm behavior)
4.5.1.6 efficient payload control
4.5.1.7 single pilot cockpit
4.5.2 on-ground operations
4.6 aircraft propulsion
4.7 aircraft structures

Scenario relevance

Number of parameter occurrence per scenario.

Input
Output
2
1
Optimising together
N/A
Stripping down
N/A
Tech for you
N/A
Mad max

Milestone Timehorizon

PESTEL categories

Current

Short term

Medium term

Long term

Little to many relations with other Milestones