Airbus Military tests C295 aircraft winglets
Airbus Military has announced that it has begun one of a series of possible product developments for the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft. The company has begun flight testing of a modification to add winglets that have the potential to improve flight performance.
The winglets are short extensions to the wingtips of the aircraft, which are designed to improve performance in the take-off, climb and cruise phases of flight by increasing the lift-drag ratio. Possible in-service benefits include improved hot and high runway performance, increased range and endurance, and reduced operating costs.
According to the company, the first flight of the wingletted aircraft took place with complete success at Airbus Military’s Seville facility in Spain on 21 December. Data from that flight is being analysed and will be added to data from future flights, providing the basis for a decision on whether or not to incorporate winglets into the C295 design.
The C295 is part of Airbus Military’s family of light and medium airlifters which also includes the smaller C212 and CN235. The aircraft is designed to fulfil a number of roles for defence and civic missions, such as humanitarian actions, maritime patrol, and environmental surveillance.
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