Airbus sharklets take flight

Airbus has completed the first flight of its fuel-saving sharklet wing-tip devices on the company’s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001).

The flight marks the start of flight testing to capture data for fine-tuning the flight laws, as well as for certification and performance validation.

Sharklets are around 2.5 m. (8 ft.) tall and will replace the aircraft’s current wingtip fence. Offered as an option on new-build aircraft, sharklets are designed for the Airbus A320 family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5%, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft, according to Airbus (ATW Daily News, Nov. 24).

Sharklets will be a standard fit on the new A320neo family. Combined with new engines, they will contribute to an overall 15% in fuel savings.