FlexSys has spent several years developing cutting-edge airfoil technology, and now the Ann Arbor-based aerospace firm is within a few months of testing to commercialize it.
"So far everything has worked flawlessly," says Sridhar Kota, founder of
FlexSys.
The 14-year-old company started testing FlexFoil with NASA last fall. The technology is a variable geometry airfoil, which could replace the wing flaps on a jet.
"We replaced the conventional flaps on that with a continuous piece of metal that changes shape," Kota says.
FlexFoil is a deformable, seamless surface that changes shape for optimized performance throughout the flight regime saving jet fuel and reducing noise. Check out a video about the technology
here.
"We are the only company who has equipped an airplane with a surface like this," Kota says.
FlexSys expects to finish testing the FlexFoil by March, and begin selling it commercial aerospace companies shortly after. FlexSys currently has a staff of 11 employees and two interns. It is looking to hire two more people, including a software developer and a senior technician in business development.
Source: Sridhar Kota, founder of FlexSys
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.