Airbus C295 Clean Sky 2 demonstrator takes flight
The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 takes flight (Photo: Airbus)
A newly designed C295 testbed has made its maiden flight.
Airbus has announced the maiden flight of a C295 technology demonstrator for Clean Sky 2.
The aircraft - designated Flight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) by the manufacturer - performed the flight from the C295 final assembly line in Seville, Spain, Airbus confirmed in a 26 January statement.
A flight test campaign will now begin in order to test a new semi-morphing wing, a new light control system, and a SatCom antenna embedded within the FTB2 fuselage.
The aircraft, based on the Airbus C295 tactical airlifter, has been designed as part of the European Clean Sky 2 (CS2) and EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, that allows technologies related to CS2’s future regional multimission aircraft to be tested.
'The [aircraft] modifications include new materials and technologies designed to achieve noise, CO2 and NOx emissions reduction,' Airbus noted.
'With these technologies applied in a future regional multimission configuration, up to 43% CO2 and 70% NOx reductions can be achieved in a typical Search and Rescue mission of 400 nautical miles, as well as 45% less noise during take-off.'
'The new flight control system leverages digital control systems to optimise the aerodynamic shape of the wing in flight, while a new multifunctional flap has been completely redesigned and includes flap tabs in the trailing edge controlled by electro-mechanical actuators.'
The manufacturer also referred to the use of 'advanced materials' and additive manufacturing in producing the FTB2 and said a new assembly method had been employed for the aero structures of the wing.
'A one shot assembly approach has been used for the new composite winglet and winglet tab, moving from the conventional ribs approach to a multi-spar integrated torsion box,' it added.
'Finally, jig-less methods have been used for the assembly of flaps and ailerons.'
After many years of negotiations, on 10 September 2021, Airbus finally secured a C295W production contract with India for a mega order of 56 aircraft. Of the total fleet 16 are to be produced in Spain.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?]()
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
