Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Early studies of aerodynamics showed that the shape of a wing has enormous effects on flight – but there isn’t just one “best” wing shape. That definition will change for different aircraft, for different flights of the same aircraft, and even for different segments of a single flight. The Mission Adaptive Digital Composites Aerostructures Technology, or MADCAT, team at NASA’s Ames Research Center is designing a wing that can change its shape to adapt to changing flight conditions. Constructed of lightweight lattice structures made of carbon fiber materials, the goal is to reduce drag, leading to more efficient airplanes.
Explore this story and more online at go.nasa.gov/2fv0duU
NASA Ames Research Center is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
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Early studies of aerodynamics showed that the shape of a wing has enormous effects on flight – but there isn’t just one “best” wing shape. That definition will change for different aircraft, for different flights of the same aircraft, and even for different segments of a single flight. The Mission Adaptive Digital Composites Aerostructures Technology, or MADCAT, team at NASA’s Ames Research Center is designing a wing that can change its shape to adapt to changing flight conditions. Constructed of lightweight lattice structures made of carbon fiber materials, the goal is to reduce drag, leading to more efficient airplanes.
Explore this story and more online at go.nasa.gov/2fv0duU
NASA Ames Research Center is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
facebook.com/nasaames
twitter.com/NASAAmes
instagram.com/nasaames
