eXtra Performance Wing Program Moving Along, Expected to Scale Up In Coming Years

Airbus announced a new phase in its recent eXtra Performance Wing system, moving into wind tunnel testing as they hone technology for use in industry decarbonization. 

The eXtra Performance Wing project began last fall, taking inspiration from natural wing systems as seen in biology in order to improve wing aerodynamics, efficiency, and performance. Airbus hopes that further study will yield benefits that reduce CO2 emissions in future aircraft, using their AlbatrossONE testbed aircraft. Its semi-aeroelastic hinged wings unlock during flight upon encountering instability or turbulence, tucking themselves once again to minimize unneeded drag. The system is accompanied by more than a few active technologies, like gust sensors, pop-up spoilers and multifunctional trailing edges, to enable the active control of the wing. Currently, testing is expected to move up to bigger, better aircraft to see how the theory plays out in the real world. 

“The scaled demonstrator will integrate and fly breakthrough wing technologies using a remote-controlled Cessna Citation VII business jet platform in representative flight conditions,” explained Oliver Family, head of the program.

“The partly 3D-printed wind-tunnel model - expertly built by the aerodynamics team at Airbus’ low-speed, wind-tunnel facility in Bristol - is a scaled-down version of the Cessna jet, incorporating the lightweight, long-span design of the eXtra Performance Wing that will provide the emissions benefits we are striving for," said Family.

“Airbus’ state-of-the-art low-speed wind-tunnel is a fantastic way to validate our concepts before flight tests,” he said. The tunnel has seen a variety of high speed uses, in everything from F1 car aerodynamic tuning to naval radar systems. “Our computational aerodynamic analysis capability is world class, and the wind tunnel provides another valuable way to measure the performance and capabilities of the aircraft before flight testing. The technologies we have tested in the Filton wind tunnel - many inspired by biomimicry - will now be rapidly integrated for flight testing.”

FMI: www.airbus.com