On Wednesday, Airbus announced a high-performance concept that is focused on accelerating and validating technologies to enhance aircraft performance and optimize wing aerodynamics. The company aims to improve flight efficiency by looking at how an eagle soars and "adapting the shape, span and, surface of its wings and feathers" to a pair of aircraft wings, according to Airbus.
The scaled demonstrator, which is currently just a computer model of what the wings will look like, will be represented on a Cessna Citation VII business jet platform, though it will be compatible with any future aircraft and propulsion systems, according to the company. Airbus is still investigating other elements of the demonstrator's wing control, like gust sensors and multifunctional trailing edges that aerodynamically change the wing's surface in flight. The project will be hosted under Airbus UpNext, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary.
"Airbus' extra-performing wing demonstrator is another example of Airbus' novel technology-oriented solutions to decarbonise the aviation sector. Airbus is continuously investigating parallel and complementary solutions such as infrastructure, flight operations, and aircraft structure. With this demonstrator, we will make significant strides in active control technology through research and applied testing of various technologies inspired by biomimicry," said Airbus Chief Technical Officer Sabine Klauke.
Meanwhile, the company's next general CityAirbus is part of the company's vision for a network of zero-emission, intra-city electric aircraft. The "flying taxis" emit less than 70 dBa of noise, making them feasible for urban flying, according to the company.
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