Airbus is beginning a flight test campaign to evaluate high-span wings for next-generation single-aisle aircraft, the next phase of its Wing of Tomorrow research and technology programme.

Over the next three years, Airbus will design, build and flight test full-scale wing extensions, each measuring several metres, fitted to an A321neo. The extensions replicate a folding wing held in its fully extended position during flight and carry testing equipment to capture in-flight behaviour and assess how the longer wingspan affects aircraft handling.

Sue Partridge, Airbus Head of Wing of Tomorrow programme, says: “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 digital modelling and wind tunnel testing to finalise the wing extension designs ahead of flight trials. The data gathered is intended to de-risk and unlock the potential that longer wings could bring to next-generation aircraft, with the programme centred on developing longer, lighter and more slender wings to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel burn.

The wing extensions are being assembled at Airbus' Wing Technology Development Centre in the UK and will be flight tested in Toulouse. Airbus has already built three 17-metre ground-based wing demonstrators, exploring more than 100 manufacturing and assembly technologies.

Since 2014, the Wing of Tomorrow programme has been backed by £227 million in funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute programme, a partnership between the ATI, the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, aimed at maintaining the UK's aerospace technology base.