The rear aircraft ‘surfs’ on the airflow of the wake vortex
The rear aircraft ‘surfs’ on the airflow of the wake vortex
During cruising flight, wake vortices are usually very stable. In formation flight, a special manoeuvre brings the rear aircraft into the rising air flow created by the aircraft in front. The rear aircraft uses the wake vortex to generate lift in a process referred to as Air Wake Surfing for Efficiency (AWSE).
