Toulouse. Airbus is inspired by an animal to develop a plane with foldable wings, more ecological
Through Simon Vermot Desroches
Published on
Whether for theAero Dynamics general and during the various phases of flight, but also for the shape of the wingsor for the materials uses, nature has always been a great source of inspiration for companies aeronautics. And as we ask this sector to emit less than CO2it is once again the animal kingdom that inspires Airbus engineers.
foldable wings
Because the European giant is currently developing a foldable wing system, directly inspired by the flight technique of thealbatross.
“This seabird can lock its wings at shoulder level to fly long distances without getting tired”, explains the builder before continuing: “Faced with a gust of wind, the albatross can unlock its wings to better navigate. A first consequence of this technology will therefore be to adapt to vents which will make it possible to reduce the resistances in flight, and consequently, to reduce the use fuel.
Very effective in absorbing turbulence
The second great advance that these wings could offer, is a better response of the device to the turbulence, those violent movements of the plane as it passes through different air masses of different temperatures. Rarely dangerous turbulence, but which creates real scares for passengers.
These latest generations of wings are currently under test especially in blowers and on scale models outdoors. The first real tests were to take place during the year 2024.
“Collaborative” flights in the manner of migrations
Always drawing inspiration from the animal world, Airbus UpNextthe technological research subsidiary ofAirbus at the origin of these wing prototypes, had also been the initiator of the first “collaborative” flight in November 2021.
Inspired by V-shaped migrations of birds, one aircraft followed another to reduce the exposure to the winds of the second aircraft and thus reduce its fuel consumption. A nature full of inspirations for the future ofaeronautics.
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