Airbus aims to begin tests of broader-span wings on A321neo next year

Airbus intends to initiate flight testing of broader-span wings on the A321neo aircraft in the coming year. This initiative involves modifying an existing A321neo to mimic fully-extended folding wingtips, a key element in exploring this design concept. Airbus will soon commence production of full-scale wingtip extension structures which will replace the current ‘sharklet’ installations. These extension structures are designed to simulate deployed folding wing tips during the tests. The purpose is to evaluate the aerodynamic benefits associated with wider wingspans for the A321neo family of aircraft.