Airbus new ‘laminar-flow’ wings could cut cost of flying
Airbus has revealed new wing technology that could tackle two of the biggest issues facing airlines – carbon emissions and fuel costs. The wings were unveiled recenlty after almost 10 years of development. Currently tacked on to a modified A340-300’s wings ahead of flight testing, Airbus said parts based on the two-third scale prototype wings could eventually be used on a short-range, single-aisle plane. The parts were created as part of the EU-funded Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe (Blade) project. Laminar-flow wings, such as the newly unveiled prototypes, have thinner leading edges than conventional aerofoils. The design could reduce wing friction by half and overall aircraft drag by 8% over a short range, Airbus said, saving up to 5% on fuel costs over a flight of almost 1,500km. <br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2017-09-08/general/airbus-new-2018laminar-flow2019-wings-could-cut-cost-of-flying
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Airbus new ‘laminar-flow’ wings could cut cost of flying
Airbus has revealed new wing technology that could tackle two of the biggest issues facing airlines – carbon emissions and fuel costs. The wings were unveiled recenlty after almost 10 years of development. Currently tacked on to a modified A340-300’s wings ahead of flight testing, Airbus said parts based on the two-third scale prototype wings could eventually be used on a short-range, single-aisle plane. The parts were created as part of the EU-funded Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe (Blade) project. Laminar-flow wings, such as the newly unveiled prototypes, have thinner leading edges than conventional aerofoils. The design could reduce wing friction by half and overall aircraft drag by 8% over a short range, Airbus said, saving up to 5% on fuel costs over a flight of almost 1,500km. <br/>
