Wings
Optimising aircraft performance through wing design
Reducing drag, fuel burn and emissions
AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY
A wing’s aerodynamic properties are central to aircraft efficiency. Airbus experts constantly examine new ideas and technologies that take their inspiration from nature, helping to further optimise wing design for the aircraft of tomorrow.
Our wing demonstrators
Wing of Tomorrow
In July 2023, Airbus delivered its second 17m wing demonstrator that will help mature next generation wing technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
eXtra Performance Wing
This demonstrator is focused on accelerating and validating technologies that will improve and optimise wing aerodynamics and performance for future aircraft.
AlbatrossONE
The Airbus AlbatrossONE demonstrator puts semi-aeroelastic hinged wing-tips to the test. Discover how freely flapping wing-tips could improve aircraft performance.
Airbus’ Wing Technology Development Centre in Filton, UK
Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre at its Filton site in July 2023. The new facility will help Airbus accelerate the design, construction and testing of wings for next generation aircraft, using the latest technology and world-leading demonstrators to further improve performance.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry – or biologically inspired engineering – is the study and imitation of nature’s best-kept secrets to help solve human challenges. Today, nature is providing Airbus with invaluable insight on how to make aircraft lighter and more fuel efficient. One example of biomimicry in aerospace is winglets, the vertical wing-tip extensions that resemble a shark’s dorsal fin and which significantly reduce the size of the wingtip vortex, thus reducing induced drag.
Latest in wings
In the spotlight
Airbus begins assembly of first future ‘eco-wing’ prototype
‘Wing of Tomorrow’, a major Airbus research and technology programme, has reached a key milestone with the assembly of its first…
Airbus launches extra high performance wing demonstrator to fortify decarbonisation…
Airbus has launched an extra-performing wing demonstrator project focused on accelerating and validating technologies that will…
Airbus starts the assembly of its first A321XLR front fuselage
Less than two months after the start of structural assembly of the rear & centre fuselages in Germany, Airbus teams are taking…
Airbus teams accomplish the first A321XLR centre wing box
Airbus teams have reached an important milestone in the production of the A321XLR with the delivery to Hamburg of the first…
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
This is your go-to source for the latest stories on the disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly today and tomorrow.
