Migratory birds such as geese often fly in formation to save energy by taking advantage of the changed airflow in each bird's wake. Like a bird, a moving airplane leaves a wake of disturbed air, creating an updraft that allows a following aircraft to cut down on engine thrust, fuel use and emissions. The project will seek to introduce this notion of wake energy retrieval (WER) into air traffic operations within Europe. Specifically, the project will elaborate an initial concept of operations (CONOPS) to enable Europe to North Atlantic WER operations, analysing safety aspects and the impact on legacy systems. The project will also provide operational solutions for the extension of WER operations within European domestic airspace. As an enabler to operations, the project will investigate non-CO2 potential benefits of formations, in addition to better known CO2 benefits.

European Union
Project ID: GEESE
Grant ID: 101114611
Status: Completed
Project duration: 01-06-2023 > 31-05-2026
EU contr.: €5.356.343,75
Total cost: €8.791.343,75
Activity: Industrial research
Flagship: Aviation green deal
SESAR programme: Digital European Sky
Benefits: Cost efficiency, Enhanced safety, Optimised capacity
GEESE-Gain Environmental Efficiency by Saving Energy