MAKO secures capital funding for Flightfilm drag-reducing adhesive aviation film

Australian aerospace technology firm MAKO has closed a $28 million Series A funding round to scale production of its drag-reducing aviation film, Flightfilm. The company, formerly MicroTau, plans to use the capital to manufacture and deliver on commercial airline and defense pre-orders, while accelerating Flightfilm’s certification across key aviation markets. MAKO says the non-structural film is inspired by microscopic shark-skin texture and is designed to reduce friction drag. It was validated in flight testing with a net drag reduction of over 4% measured during U.S. Air Force trials on a C-130J Super Hercules, and it is under contract for C-17 operational trials with the Air Force. MAKO chief executive Henry Bilinsky said the funding supports certification completion, delivery to customers, and scaling for the global fleet. The Series A is led by Virescent Ventures.