Airbus Begins Flight Tests for Full-Scale Foldable Wing Extensions on A321neo

New Flight-Test Campaign Launched

Airbus has launched a new flight-test campaign to evaluate the performance of high-span wings for its next-generation single-aisle aircraft. This marks the next phase of the Wing of Tomorrow research and technology program.

Over the next three years, Airbus will design, build, and flight test full-scale wing extensions. These extensions will be installed on an A321neo aircraft to assess their performance under real flight conditions.

Evaluating Longer Wingspan Impact

The wing extensions, each measuring several meters, will replicate a folding wing in its fully extended position during flight. They will be fitted with comprehensive testing equipment to capture in-flight behavior.

The primary goal is to evaluate how the longer wingspan impacts aircraft handling and to safely challenge traditional design limits, exploring the benefits of extended wings for improved flight efficiency.

Wing of Tomorrow Program Focus

The Wing of Tomorrow program focuses on creating longer, lighter, and more slender wings to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel burn. Airbus is currently using advanced digital modeling and wind tunnel testing to finalize the designs before flight testing.

Flight data from this campaign is critical to de-risk and unlock the full potential that longer wings could bring to future aircraft designs.

Development and Funding

Airbus has previously built three 17-meter ground-based wing demonstrators to explore the advantages of increased wingspan and various manufacturing technologies. The new wing extensions will be assembled at Airbus’ Wing Technology Development Centre in the UK and flight-tested in Toulouse.

Since 2014, the Wing of Tomorrow program has received £227 million in funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) program, a partnership involving the ATI, Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK.