Boeing's EDAS System Cuts Fuel Burn on 787s

The Boeing 787's Empennage Door Actuation System (EDAS) is an innovative feature that works to reduce fuel consumption by minimizing drag.

Located on the tail of the aircraft, EDAS uses a hybrid laminar flow control setup to maintain smooth airflow over the leading edges of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers.

With approximately 27 million tiny perforations covering the leading edges, air flows through these microscopic holes into internal ducting, where electric motors drive door assemblies to either pull in or push out air, depending on the phase of flight.

The system operates in two modes: purge mode during takeoff, and suction mode during cruise. The doors close entirely upon approach, until the next departure.