ATTAS wearing a 'wing glove' in 1987
ATTAS wearing a 'wing glove' in 1987
This image shows ATTAS with a changed profile. In 1987 a portion of the right wing was equipped with what is known as 'laminar glove'. A fibre-glass reinforced composite glove was placed on the original aluminum structure. DLR researchers investigated whether longer laminar flow profiles would be possible in commercial aircraft as well. If so, the resistance and thus the fuel consumption could be reduced. Infrared cameras measured the laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition.
