Airplanes with malfunctions will be able to repair themselves automatically, even during flight, by using processes similar to those of healing in nature.

A simple method would be to use a special resin that covers cracks on demand. Fibers loaded with a special resin and with a fortifier will cover the entire plane and will cover any crack, functioning exactly like the crust on a wound.

Researchers are currently working on this new type of resin, which must not solidify until it reaches the crack. Still, this process doesn’t have to take too long, in order to be able to “cure” the plane while it’s still in the air.

Such a success would not only lead to safer airplanes, but also to lighter planes, which use up less fuel, have lower costs and reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses.