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
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Stories InnovationThe Wing Makers
What could the next generation of wings look like? As the pioneer of sustainable aerospace, Airbus is already working on it. -
Stories InnovationeXtra Performance Wing demonstrator takes off
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Stories InnovationHow to Make a Wing
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Stories InnovationThe Wonder of Wings
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Press releases InnovationNew technology hub to accelerate next generation Airbus wings
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
