ABOVE – The full scale wing extensions will be installed on an A321neo aircraft
Airbus has announced it is launching a new flight-test campaign to evaluate the performance of high-span wings for next-generation single-aisle aircraft. This development marks the next phase of one of the aerospace giant’s largest research and technology programmes, called ‘Wing of Tomorrow’. Over the next three years, Airbus plans to design, build and flight test full scale wings as part of the programme. The wing extensions will be installed on an A321neo aircraft and used to evaluate how the different wing geometries perform in real flight conditions.
The Wing of Tomorrow programme is centred around creating longer, lighter, and more slender wings to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel burn. The wing extensions will be assembled at Airbus’ Wing Technology Development Centre in the UK and flight tested in Toulouse. Airbus has already built three 17-metre (ground based) wing demonstrators to explore the advantages of increased wingspan.
PHOTO: AIRBUS
