Airbus has announced the successful maiden flight of the Airbus C295 Fight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain. The tests conducted on this aircraft are intended to evaluate the new semi-mobile wing, a new flight control system and a SATCOM antenna integrated into the fuselage.
The Airbus developments tested on this aircraft are part of the initiatives of the European public-private consortium Clean Sky 2 and EU Horizon 2020, which promote research, development, and innovation aimed at bringing about quieter aircraft with a lower environmental impact from their operations.
Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Airbus Defence and Space, said, “The first flight of the C295 FTB2 is a key milestone that represents an important step forward in the program, following the successful integration of the new aerodynamic structures, ignition, and ground testing. A few years ago, this program was just a dream of a more sustainable future for aviation. Today we are in the final stage and finally made it fly.”
Additionally, Airbus said in a press release that the modifications introduced include new materials and technologies designed to achieve reductions in noise emissions and greenhouse gases such as CO2 and NOx. “With these technologies applied in a future regional multi-mission configuration, reductions of up to 43% CO2 and 70% NOx can be achieved on a typical 400 nautical mile search and rescue mission, as well as 45% less noise during takeoff,” the manufacturer reported.
The aircraft integrates a new high-efficiency semi-morphing wing, new dynamic winglets, and a flat-panel SATCOM antenna on top of the fuselage. It also has a more efficient high lift system from the incorporation of innovative flight controls, including ailerons, flaps and flap tabs with improved aerodynamics.
“The new flight control system takes advantage of digital control systems to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the wing in flight, while a new multifunctional flap has been completely redesigned and includes flap tabs on the trailing edge controlled by electromechanical actuators,” Airbus reported.
This development also contemplates the incorporation of new materials in the manufacturing process of the parts, as well as new assembly methods for the aerodynamic structures of the wing. Therefore, according to Airbus, the demonstrator “brings improvements not only to the purely operational aspects of the aircraft, but also helps to introduce new improvements in the design and manufacturing process”.
