MICHAEL PHELAN / LONDON
A380 likely to be first to benefit from programme to reduce wake vortex and noise
Airbus has begun flight testing its A340-300 testbed as part of the European Awiator aerodynamics demonstration programme, which aims to validate technologies in preparation for application on future aircraft (Flight International, 29 April-5 May).
The Awiator (aircraft wing with advanced technology operation) programme is evaluating methods of reducing wake vortices and noise and is investigating the integration of large winglets, new wing deformation measurements and new flight-control laws using existing and new control surfaces.
During the first stage of the flight programme, which runs to December this year, technology elements will be installed, flight tested and removed during six separate flight-test campaigns. Following flight-test results analysis, the most promising technologies and best component optimisations will be integrated for the final Awiator integration flight test. Airbus hopes to achieve this by mid-2005.
The Awiator aircraft will incorporate sensors to measure turbulence ahead of the aircraft and adaptive elements to increase high lift efficiency. The response of the wing in flight will be measured in detail by inclinometers, Bragg sensors, pressure belts and photogrammetry. Noise and vortices in the far field will be measured by microphone arrays and lidar laser ranging systems.
The programme began in July last year and with initial applications expected within three to five years, the Airbus A380 could be the first aircraft to benefit. There will also be simulator, ground rig and large-model windtunnel tests throughout Europe. The project's target is to reduce drag by5-7% while cutting fuel consumption by 2%.
The €80 million ($88 million) programme is being co-ordinated by Airbus and includes 23 European manufacturers, universities and research institutes. The programme is 50% financed under the European Union's Fifth Framework research funding.
Source: Flight International
