Airbus has developed special AlbatrossONE wings that mimic the aerodynamic qualities of birds.
In 2019 Airbusdemonstrated the concept on a miniature version of one of its planes. This week, after two years of silence, the company again used a remote-controlled demonstration plane. But this time, Airbus tested the concept of free-flapping wingtips at much larger sizes - 75% longer than the previous model.
Semi-elastic airplane wings follow the tipsalbatross wings. This bird changes trajectory and flight mechanics based on wind speed, which allows it to cover greater distances with less cost and to cope with turbulence.
Airbus
Airplane manufacturers are working to ensure thatreduce fuel consumption and emissions from next generation commercial airliners. One solution is to use longer wings. The elongation of the wing reduces the drag caused by lift. However, increasing the span also increases its weight. Using folding tips can solve the problem. They will optimally reduce the load on the aircraft during wind gusts and aircraft maneuvers.
Semi-elastic, articulated wing tips allowthe aircraft "sail" through gusts of wind without unnecessary external load on the main wing. This means that less material is required to create an airplane. The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers can be reduced. This material is necessary for the wing to be strong enough to withstand gusts of wind. The development will reduce the weight of the aircraft, which means it will reduce the amount of fuel and emissions.
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