3 May,2019:The MAGMA unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrated two innovative flow control technologies in a series of ground-breaking flight trials that took place in the skies above north-west Wales that could revolutionise future aircraft design.
MAGMA was designed and developed by researchers at The University of Manchester by teaming up with engineers from BAE Systems. Earlier this month, they successfully trialled the two 'flap-free' technologies at the Llanbedr Airfield.
The technologies have been designed to boost the control and performance of aircraft. By substituting moving surfaces with a simpler 'blown air' solution, the trials have provided engineers a way to create better-performing aircraft that are more reliable, lighter and cheaper to operate. Also, the technologies could improve an aircraft's stealth as they reduce the number of gaps and edges that currently make aircraft more observable on the radar.