Airbus is set to test new folding wings developed at its Filton base near Bristol, as part of its Wing of Tomorrow research programme. The long-span wings, designed for next-generation single-aisle aircraft, aim to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel burn.
Wing Extensions Assembled in Filton
The wing extensions, measuring several metres and made from lightweight yet strong materials, will be assembled in Filton and flight-tested in Toulouse, France. They promise significant energy savings for the aerospace giant.
Testing on A321 Neo
Over the next three years, the wings will be installed on an A321 Neo, Airbus's best-selling aircraft. The evaluation will assess how different wing geometries perform in real flight conditions, with equipment fitted to capture behaviour and evaluate handling impacts.
Sue Partridge, Airbus Head of the Wing of Tomorrow programme, said: “Importantly, the wing is one of the biggest levers we have to improve flight efficiency, which is why the Wing of Tomorrow is so critical for our next generation single aisle aircraft. This flight-test campaign will allow us to safely challenge traditional design limits and explore the benefits of longer wings.”
Advanced Design and Testing
Airbus is using advanced digital modelling and wind tunnel testing to finalise the wing extension designs before representative flight testing. The company has already built three 17-metre ground-based wing demonstrators to explore increased wingspan advantages.
Industry Race for New Technologies
This announcement comes as planemakers race to develop technologies for future commercial aircraft. Airbus rival Boeing has already installed extended wings on its two-aisle 777X, but the technology has not yet been used on any single-aisle plane.
