# Shapeshifting Meta-Material Aircrafts This Future Aircraft is a Joint Creation from MIT and NASA By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-04-09 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-aircraft References: [tuvie](http://www.tuvie.com/mit-and-nasa-engineers-develop-shape-shifting-airplane-wing-for-greater-flexibility-in-designing-and-manufacturing-future-aircraft/) & [nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov/) Aviation in the coming years is no doubt going to change dramatically, which is being supported by new designs like this future aircraft that boasts a distinctly fine-tuned functionality. Created by engineers at [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot) and [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metl-tire), the aircraft features wings that are compromised of hundreds of individual pieces that allow it to change its shape in-flight. This could help to dramatically increase the [efficiency of the aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantom-3500) and even help with maintenance for a better overall design compared to existing solutions. The future aircraft makes use of both stiff and flexible components to create better performance for pilots by helping with maneuverability, cruising, take-off and landing. The aircraft identifies what can be done to meet the increasing global transportation needs with a focus on efficiency. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Shapeshifting Aircraft:** The development of aircraft with wings that can change shape in-flight creates opportunities for increased aerodynamic performance and efficiency. - **Fine-tuned Functionality:** The integration of hundreds of individual pieces in the aircraft's wings allows for improved maneuverability, cruising, take-off, and landing capabilities. - **Efficient Transportation Solutions:** The focus on efficiency in the design of the future aircraft addresses the increasing global transportation needs. ### Where This Applies - **Aviation:** The aviation industry can leverage the disruptive innovation of shapeshifting aircraft to enhance aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency. - **Aerospace Engineering:** Aerospace engineering industries can explore the opportunities presented by fine-tuned functionality in aircraft design to improve maneuverability and performance. - **Transportation:** The transportation industry can benefit from the efficient solutions offered by the future aircraft, addressing the growing global transportation needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blended-Wing Fighters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stavatti-aerospace-sm39-razor.md) - [Reduced Drag Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crane-program.md) - [Avian African Aircraft Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircraft-concepts.md) - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md) - [Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-horizon.md) - [Folding Wing eVTOL Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transwing-evtol.md) - [Folding Wing eVTOL Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evtol-concept-design.md) - [Sustainable Air Travel Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspace-cabin-vision-2035-concept.md) - [Modular Electric VTOL Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-vtol.md)