Inspired by Sharks, Built with Lasers

Surface Structures Inspired by Sharks, Built with Lasers

2026-08-21 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 5 min Reading Time

4Jet applies the shark skin principle to aircraft wings and incorporates microscopic structures into the paint. This means lower CO₂ emissions and reduced kerosene consumption.

V-shaped grooves, known as riblets, are directly incorporated into the paint. They reduce overall drag by 50 percent, resulting in significant fuel savings.(Image: Trumpf) — V-shaped grooves, known as riblets, are directly incorporated into the paint. They reduce overall drag by 50 percent, resulting in significant fuel savings.
(Image: Trumpf)

Ever petted a shark? Tactilely, it's a rough experience. The reason for this is its scaly suit made of particularly grooved microscopic shark scales. It may not look glamorous, but it provides the shark with clear hydrodynamic advantages. The scale grooves cover the shark with a microstructure that significantly reduces energy-consuming water vortices along its body. This allows the predator to shoot through the water at over 70 kilometers per hour (approx. 43 mph): less resistance, less energy consumption, higher speed.

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