STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. - The 105th Airlift Wing is playing a key role in a modernization initiative for the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III fleet and has become the first base to permanently maintain the new, innovative technology on one of its aircraft.
In 2023, the Air National Guard C-17 weapons system manager requested volunteers to participate in a modernization initiative to test microvane drag reduction technology and its impacts on fuel efficiency. The 105th stepped up.
Microvanes are 3D printed devices, measuring about 4x16 inches and resembling a blade. When a dozen microvanes are installed on the rear of a C-17, they reduce drag and fuel consumption by 1%.
That 1% improvement in fuel efficiency may not sound significant, but it will save the Air Force over $14 million annually.
Lt. Col. Eric Durkins, 105th Maintenance Squadron commander, said the technology will also directly enhance mission capability.
“The 105th has a strong track record of innovation and excellence in aircraft maintenance, making us a natural choice for testing and evaluating this modernization effort,” Durkins said.
There are three aircraft at Stewart ANGB with microvanes. One has gone through the final flight-testing phase, including air refueling and assault strip operations, to become the first permanent aircraft with microvanes. Durkins said this aircraft has supported worldwide missions, including a deployment, for over a year without issue.
The other two aircraft are participating in the logistics service assessment phase, along with a few other aircraft across the Air Force. After six months of testing in this phase, microvane use is intended to expand across the entire C-17 fleet.
Throughout the multiyear testing process, 105th Airmen have worked with other Airmen and agencies and learned about the maintenance and implementation of the microvane technology. These agencies and units include Air Mobility Command, the 164th Maintenance Group at Memphis Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, and Edwards Air Force Base, California.
“The microvanes initiative combines Stewart’s efforts to modernize Mobility Air Forces with innovative mission-ready Airmen,” said Durkins. “We paired up with Memphis Air National Guard Base during testing to increase process knowledge for Airmen across both wings. Our maintainers, working side by side with engineering teams from the start of this project, helped develop installation procedures for the whole C-17 enterprise.”
Durkins said the benefits of microvanes extend beyond improved fuel efficiency, as this technology will also increase mission capability. Aircraft can fly farther while carrying more cargo, ultimately strengthening operational readiness and maintaining the U.S. Air Force’s position as a leader in global air power.