NiTi20Hf shape memory alloy folds wings of NASA test airplane

NiTi20Hf shape memory alloy was used in the actuation system for the rotating wingtips in the test flight series of the Spanwise Adaptive Wing project (SAW).

SAW is a joint effort between NASA (including Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Langley Research Center), Boeing, and Area-I Inc.

The innovative, lightweight shape memory alloy enables folding wing functionality (and the associated aerodynamic benefits in both supersonic and subsonic flight) without bulky motors and hydraulic systems, as used in the past.

Read the full story and watch a video of the folding wingtips in action.