Airbus launches new flight test programme for Wing of Tomorrow

Airbus is launching a new flight-test campaign to evaluate the performance of high-span wings for next-generation single-aisle aircraft, marking the next phase of one of its largest research and technology programmes, Wing of Tomorrow. Over the next three years, Airbus will design, build and flight test full scale wing extensions. These will be installed on an A321neo aircraft and used to evaluate how the different wing geometries perform in real flight conditions. The extensions, each measuring several metres, will replicate a folding wing in the fully extended position during a flight. They will be fitted with comprehensive testing equipment to capture behaviour in flight and evaluate how the longer wingspan impacts aircraft handling. 

Sue Partridge, Airbus Head of Wing of Tomorrow programme commented: “For more than 50 years, Airbus has spearheaded aviation innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to deliver more efficient aircraft for future generations. This is why the Wing of Tomorrow programme is such an exciting and rewarding journey to be on. 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.” 

Airbus is currently using advanced digital modelling and wind tunnel testing to finalise the designs of the wing extensions before they are tested in a representative flying environment. The flight data is critical to de-risk and unlock the full potential that longer wings could bring to next generation aircraft. 

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 and the benefits of more than 100 manufacturing and assembly technologies.

Since 2014, the Wing of Tomorrow programme has been backed by £227million in funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme, a partnership between the ATI, Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, designed to maintain the UK's position as a leader in aerospace technology.