Formation flying is introduced as a new and innovative air transportation system for long-haul commercial flight. With this paper the operational feasibility of formation flying is addressed, both from a market demand and economic, as well as an air traffic control perspective. Preliminary results of a case study indicate that operating a newly designed aircraft that is optimized for formation flying could cut the fuel consumption over long-haul flights in half compared to current state-of-the-art aircraft. Therefore, this air transportation system proves to be a possible solution to the impending regulations and fines regarding the reduction of CO 2 emissions in aviation.

The airline industry is under continuous pressure to reduce emissions and costs. This paper investigates the feasibility for commercial airlines to use formation flight to reduce emissions and fuel burn. To fly in formation, an aircraft needs to benefit from the wake vortices of the preceding aircraft. This requires a stable aerodynamic flow, accurate navigation and a highly sophisticated aircraft to counteract the negative consequences of flying in formation. It is found that the most stable region for an aircraft is between ten to twenty wingspans. For safety reasons the formation will fly in an echelon shape, indicating that only one wing of the aircraft is benefitting from the vortex. A GNSS/INS integrated navigation system is needed to allow for safe and accurate spacing between the aircraft. LiDAR based vortex detection is used to fly in the most stable and beneficial area of the vortex. Extra measures are taken to counteract the negative effects induced by flying with one wing in the vortex. A morphing wing is used to counteract the rolling moment due to an increase in lift on one wing. A strengthened tail is necessary to compensate the yaw moment induced by a reduction on drag on one wing. The benefits of formation flying in combination with the state-of-the-art open rotor jet could lead to fuel and emission savings of 54% compared to a Boeing 787. Implemented in 2030 this would be a major impact on the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.

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