SARISTU is a level 2, large-scale integrating project which aims at achieving reductions in aircraft weight and operational costs, as well as an improvement in the flight profile specific aerodynamic performance. The project focuses on integration activities in three distinct technological areas: airfoil Conformal Morphing, self-sensing and multifunctional structures through the use of nanoreinforced resins.

SARISTU focuses on the cost reduction of air travel through a variety of individual applications as well as their combination. For the first time ever in smart material concepts, SARISTU offers the opportunity to virtually and physically assess the interaction of different technological solutions and their combined effects at aircraft level.

Specifically, the joint integration of different conformal morphing concepts in a laminar wing is intended to improve aircraft performance through a 6% drag reduction, with a positive effect on fuel consumption and required take-off fuel load. A side effect will be a decrease of up to 6dB(A) of the airframe generated noise, thus reducing the impact of air traffic noise in the vicinity of airports.

Coordinated by Airbus, the SARISTU Consortium brings together 65 partners from 16 European countries. The total budget of the project is 51 M€, partially funded by the European Commission under FP7-AAT-2011-RTD-1 (Grant Agreement number 284562).

Starting from September 2011, the project is expected to be completed by August 2015.