On the eve of the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition two world leaders, one in advanced winglet technology and the other in shape-adaptive structures, announce they are entering into a joint venture. Seattle, Washington based Aviation Partners, Inc. is in the final stages of forming a JV with FlexSys, Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new company, Aviation Partners FlexSys (APF), is being founded to commercialize the patented 'wing morphing' technology which FlexSys, Inc. has been working on since its formation in 2000. FlexSys' FlexFoilTM variable geometry control surface mechanisms were recently test flown on a Gulfstream business jet.

“With over 6,300 shipsets of Blended Winglets in-service Aviation Partners has a long history of success when it comes to certification and marketing of performance improvements for business and commercial aviation,” said Joe Clark, API Founder and CEO, “We are excited to write a new chapter in aerodynamic design through the formation of this JV with Dr. Kota and his FlexSys team.”

FlexFoilTM variable geometry surface mechanisms leverage the natural flexibility of aerospace-grade materials to continuously reshape the external form. The proprietary internal joint-less skeletal configuration of the system is optimized to achieve desired aerodynamic shapes on demand when actuated, while also meeting the aircraft design requirements of: strength, lightweight, high fatigue life, reliability and low maintenance. Importantly, the multifunctional seamless surface is uniquely capable of delivering desired camber change and span-wise twist at high rates for drag reduction, load alleviation, noise reduction, etc.

“Replacing conventional multi-jointed flaps and other control surfaces with smooth seamless surfaces has been an elusive goal for the aerospace industry for decades. After 15 years of R&D, and successful flight-testing, the FlexFoilTM variable geometry control surface mechanism ushers in a new frontier in aircraft design,” said Sridhar Kota, Founder and President of FlexSys, “We are thrilled to enter into a joint venture with Aviation Partners who, under the dynamic leadership of Joe Clark, has a proven track record of transforming innovative ideas into successful aviation products with benefits to the global marketplace.”

Commercial opportunities being studied by APF for this revolutionary technology in the near future include flight controls, leading/trailing edge devices, anti-icing and active winglets. APF plans to offer the technology for both retrofit and new production applications.