Innovative turbulence tech to stabilise aircrafts

Conceived from the need to address the persistent challenge of atmospheric turbulence, the company’s technology is designed to enhance passenger comfort, reduce operational costs, and mitigate the environmental impact of air travel.

Understanding the negative effects of turbulence

The concept of turbulence cancellation originated from the research of Dipl.-Ing. András Gálffy at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), who is now the Head of Technology and Research at Turbulence Solutions.

Recognising the detrimental effects of turbulence on flight safety and comfort, Gálffy focused his dissertation on the fundamentals of turbulence mitigation. This work laid the foundation for the patented Turbulence Cancelling technology, which the company was formed to develop and commercialise in 2018​.

Atmospheric turbulence is a common and disruptive phenomenon in aviation. It can cause discomfort for passengers, lead to higher fuel consumption, and increase maintenance costs due to the stress it places on aircraft structures. As airlines strive for efficiency, detouring around turbulence or flying at reduced speeds to manage turbulent conditions can be costly both in terms of fuel and time​​.

Climate change and increased turbulence

There is growing evidence that climate change is exacerbating turbulence. Studies suggest that rising global temperatures are increasing the intensity and frequency of clear-air turbulence, which is difficult to predict and navigate. This has made the development of technologies to counteract turbulence even more critical for the future of aviation​.

The technology

Turbulence Solutions' technology aims to stabilise aircraft during turbulent conditions through an innovative approach to flight control.

The system integrates LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to detect and measure atmospheric disturbances ahead of the aircraft. This data is then used in conjunction with advanced morphing structures – adaptive components that can change shape in response to turbulence. By dynamically adjusting the aircraft's control surfaces, the system can counteract the effects of turbulence, stabilising the flight path and reducing the forces experienced by the aircraft and passengers​.

The primary benefits of this technology are increased passenger comfort and enhanced flight safety. By reducing the impact of turbulence, the system can minimise the likelihood of injuries related to sudden turbulence and improve the overall flying experience. Additionally, airlines can benefit economically from reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs, as the technology allows for more efficient flight paths and less structural stress on the aircraft​​.

The technology is applicable across a wide range of aircraft, from small sports planes to large airliners, and is particularly promising for new categories of aircraft such as electrically operated air taxis in the Urban Air Mobility sector. Demonstrations of the system have shown it to be effective in reducing turbulence effects by up to 80%, marking a significant improvement in flight stability​​.

Turbulence Solutions has developed a technology that addresses a longstanding issue in aviation. By leveraging advanced detection and adaptive response systems, the company aims to make air travel safer, more comfortable, and more efficient. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase the prevalence of turbulence, such innovations will be vital in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the aviation industry.