A new phase of testing has begun on Boeing's proposed 747X in the 5m pressurised, low-speed wind tunnel at the UK's DERA site in Farnborough. The tests, due to be completed in September, will focus on loads and noise characteristics. Changes being tested include the large wing root insert, modified leading and trailing edge flaps, a trailing edge wedge outboard from the inner engine positions, engine nacelle chines and several wingtip treatments. This includes a conventional winglet, a very large (approximately 4.2m tall) blended winglet and a raked tip.
Boeing expects to firm up the overall aerodynamic configuration of the 747X Stretch and its baseline 747X derivative (pictured) early next year.
Source: Flight International
