A new chapter in aviation technology
Air travel is one of the safest, but often not the most pleasant forms of transport - especially when turbulence shakes the aircraft. Such jolts are particularly unpleasant for inexperienced passengers and can even lead to fear of flying. A small company from Austria could soon solve this problem: Turbulence Solutions is about to approve a system that specifically compensates for turbulence - with the help of modified landing flaps, sensors and intelligent computing power.
From university idea to market-ready innovation
The story begins in 2017 at the Vienna University of Technologywhere a group of students are working with their professor on aerodynamic effects and turbulence research. The project gave rise to the idea of developing a system that not only measures turbulence, but also actively reacts to it. The result: the founding of Turbulence Solutions - a company that specialises in adaptive aircraft systems to compensate for air irregularities.
How the system works in detail
The centrepiece of the technology is a Specially developed landing flapwhich consists of two movably connected segments. Unlike conventional flaps, which are extended in one piece, this variant can be moved by means of Servomotors can be controlled differently - and thus react specifically to air blasts.
The system is controlled by a pair of Sensor lancesmade of carbon fibre, which are mounted under the wings. These sensors record wind direction and strength in real time, even before the turbulence reaches the aircraft. The data is analysed by a small On-board computer which then sends precisely calculated corrective movements to the servomotors. These move the landing flaps in such a way that they counteract the turbulence - comparable to an active shock absorber.
The result: the aircraft's movements are significantly reduced. Although strong turbulence cannot be completely eliminated, the A large part of the unpleasant jerking is effectively minimised.
Security mechanisms and restrictions
The system can be activated or deactivated by the pilot using a switch in the cockpit. For safety reasons, however, the technology only intervenes in certain flight conditions. If the aircraft is travelling too slowly or too fast, or is in a steep bank angle, the system is automatically deactivated. It also remains inoperative during take-off and landing.
Testing and market launch: the path to authorisation
The first successful test flight took place in 2021 with a Colomban MC-30 Luciole took place. Since then, the system has been adapted for other aircraft types - including the UL model Shark.Aero Sharkwhich first flew with the system in 2024. The Authorisation phase in Austriawhich, according to the company, should be completed by mid-May 2025.
Already twelve customers have ordered the system - the waiting time is currently around two years. The price for the system is around 32,000 euroseither as an upgrade for new aircraft or for retrofitting including installation. A fully equipped Shark including system currently costs approx. 350,000 euros.
Future plans: from ultralights to wide-body jets
Turbulence Solutions is already planning ahead. The company is currently in talks with several UL manufacturers regarding system integration in other aircraft types and also intends to develop aircraft of the E- and F-Class equip them. In the long term, the ambitious goal is for the technology to be available by 2030 also in commercial aircraft can be used.
Technically, this would certainly be possible: the underlying principles are scalable and the avionics of modern jets already offer interfaces that could be used for integration. However, the regulatory framework still stands in the way of rapid implementation - particularly with regard to authorisation procedures and system certification at the EASA or the FAA.
Conclusion: A potential game changer for air transport
The forthcoming authorisation could Turbulence Solutions herald a new era of travelling comfort. The technology is a prime example of how innovation from academic research and practical implementation can become a marketable product. If the system proves itself in everyday use, turbulence - previously an unavoidable side effect of flying - could soon be a thing of the past.
Source references:
Aviation magazine
