Lasers at the service of aerodynamics: towards sustainable aviation

LASEA introduces an automated femtosecond laser micromachining workstation for high-throughput engraving of riblet structures on aircraft engine blades. The goal is to reduce aerodynamic drag and energy consumption, supporting greener aviation. The system combines advanced beam shaping/splitting optics with a closed-loop measurement process to adapt to complex blade geometries and ensure precise machining on both sides. Flow simulations confirm the riblets' effectiveness in reducing drag, highlighting the strong aerodynamic and environmental potential of this innovation.