KC-135 Stratotanker
Computational fluid dynamics analysis, conducted by Air Force Research Laboratory and Southwest Research Institute, shows the nose of a KC-135 Stratotanker, as the wiper blades are positioned horizontally, left, and vertically, right. The red indicates an area of high aerodynamic drag. U.S. Air Force
Defense World: Vertical Wiper Blades on KC-135 Tanker Reduces Aircraft Drag by 1%
A KC-135 Stratotanker with vertical wiper blades on the windshield instead of the decades-old horizontal wiper design, reduced aircraft drag by 1% in flight.
“Aerodynamics testing on the KC-135 Stratotanker confirmed vertically mounted wiper blades reduces aircraft drag by approximately 1% during cruise conditions, potentially saving the Air Force $7 million annually in associated fuel costs,” the US Air Force said in a statement on April 20.
Across the KC-135 fleet, blades are positioned horizontally on the windshield as part of the aircraft’s original 1950s design. However, as the understanding of aviation aerodynamics advanced, research indicated placing the wipers vertically when not in use could improve aerodynamic efficiency and optimize fuel use.
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Update #1: Tweak the KC-135 Stratotanker's Windshield Wipers. Save Millions. (Popular Mechanics)
Update #2: Air Force saves $7M on fuel for KC-135 by turning windshield wipers vertical (UPI)
WNU Editor: I am sure this is going to be applied on other Air Force planes, and maybe also in the private sector.
2 comments:
saved 7million USD at previous oil cost :P now it saves maybe 70 cent :D
How much is the retro fit cost on a 707 (kc135)? Billions?
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