MicroTau’s fuel-saving film to be tested in the US by Delta Air Lines

Sydney-based MicroTau, which is commercialising sharkskin-inspired riblet films designed to reduce both drag and fuel use for planes, will have its technology tested on Delta Air Lines’ Boeing 767 fleet.

According to a statement from the US carrier on Wednesday (US time) MicroTau has been added to Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab innovation incubator.

“[The program] bridges the gap between ideas and proven innovation by accelerating research, design and testing for a more sustainable future of air travel,” said Sustainable Skies Director, Sangita Sharma, in a statement.

“Collaborating with innovative partners lets us explore both changes that can be implemented in the near-term, and longer-term initiatives that will revolutionize how we think about flying for years to come.” 

MicroTau has developed a “Riblet Modification Package”, with an adhesive-backed film for an aircraft’s fuselage, wings and tail.

In March last year the United States’ Department of Defense (DoD) announced that it would adopt the adhesive riblets for flight testing on the wings and fuselage of a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

The skins reduce fuel consumption by up to 4 per cent (depending on the extent of film coverage on the aircraft), according to MicroTau, which was named one of Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers in 2024.

MicroTau was founded in 2016 and produces its riblets by a proprietary 3D printing method which cures specialised resins with a UV source to create microscopic features.

Picture: MicroTau’s Riblet Modification Package applied to a US Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J during testing (credit Delta)

Further reading

MicroTau selected for US Air Force trials of its fuel-saving sharkskin 

@AuManufacturing Conversations episode 2 – Henry Bilinsky from MicroTau

MicroTau receives $2 m CEFC investment to develop shark-inspired coating for planes and ships

Frontiers in additive manufacturing: Riblets and wings

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