Thu, Dec 01, 2011
Campaign To Find Ways To Cut Fuel Consumption Successfully
Underway
The first test flight of the ‘Sharklet’ wing-tip
devices on an Airbus A320 development aircraft (MSN 001) has been
successfully completed. This milestone marks the start of the early
flight-test campaign to capture data for fine-tuning the flight
laws, as well as for certification and performance validation.
Sharklets are around 3 feet tall and will replace the
aircraft’s current wingtip fence. Offered as an option on
new-build aircraft, Sharklets have been specially designed for the
Airbus A320 Family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5
percent, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700
tonnes per aircraft. This reduction is equivalent to the CO2
produced by around 200 cars annually. The wingtip devices will also
enhance the aircraft’s performance.
“The hunt is underway for Airbus to take another bite out
of airlines’ fuel bills and CO2 emissions,” says
Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy.
“With this start of Sharklet flight-testing today, actions
speak louder than words as we take another definitive step towards
greener aviation.”
A standard fit on the A320neo Family, which on its first
anniversary after launch has attracted almost 1,500 orders and
commitments from 26 customers, the Sharklets will contribute
together with the new engines to 15 percent in fuel savings.
Airbus forecasts the world’s single-aisle airliner fleet
to double to more than 23,000 aircraft by 2030, with an average
annual fleet growth of 3.4 percent. This expansion will require
around 19,200 new single-aisle aircraft deliveries for replacement
and growth.
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