Airbus C295 Clean Sky 2 demonstrator takes flight
The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 takes flight (Photo: Airbus)
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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.