LISTEN: Small, 3D-Printed Piece Could Save Air Force Millions in Fuel Costs

Sometimes the simplest solutions produce the most significant results. And the U.S. Air Force is close to implementing a very basic feature that could end up saving millions.

The C-17 Globemaster III is a flexible aircraft used to carry troops and all types of cargo from point A to point B. It’s also a massive plane and not particularly fuel efficient. But a small 3D-printed device could help with that. The Air Force Operational Energy and Air Mobility Command said it’s in the final phase of testing for Microvane drag reduction technology, which is a thin blade measuring about 4 x 16 inches, or roughly the size of two Costco hot dogs.

When about a dozen Microvanes are glued to the rear of the C-17’s exterior, it results in a 1% reduction in drag compared to a C-17 with no Microvanes.