"bildan" wrote in message
...
Aerodynamisists have been trying to create "surface treatments" to
improve laminar flow for a century. So far, the mirror smooth
surfaces of sailplanes are best.

There is a guy, a Dr. Sinha, (http://sinhatech.com/) claiming to have
something called a "deturbulator" which is a sort of flexible tape
stuck on wing surfaces. If it works, and survives the rigors of
actual flight operations, it might be a big deal. I wouldn't hold my
breath.

Actually turbulator tape is fairly common stuff on sailplanes In comes in a
zig-zag pattern or with dimples. Scroll halfway down this page to see the
stuff: http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page29.htm
Google "sailplane turbulator tape" for more info.

Vaughn