U.K. Consortium Working On Efficient Wing Technology

Cleaning up emissions is one approach, but another way to get cleaner air is to be more efficient in the first place. Toward that end, a consortium of 17 leading U.K. organizations is working on a slate of new technologies related to development of wings, wing systems, landing gear and fuel systems. After completing their assessment, the intention is to go on and develop a large-scale technology demonstrator for a test program. The research aims to cut in half aircraft fuel burn, emissions and noise by 2020. The effort is not just a do-good project, though. The goal is also to improve efficiency and enhance the bottom line of the companies involved.

Cleaning up emissions is one approach, but another way to get cleaner air is to be more efficient in the first place. Toward that end, a consortium of 17 leading U.K. organizations is working on a slate of new technologies related to development of wings, wing systems, landing gear and fuel systems. After completing their assessment, the intention is to go on and develop a large-scale technology demonstrator for a test program. The research aims to cut in half aircraft fuel burn, emissions and noise by 2020. The effort is not just a do-good project, though. The goal is also to improve efficiency and enhance the bottom line of the companies involved. Among the consortium members are Airbus and Bombardier. "We are delighted to be involved in a program that not only allows us to demonstrate our innovation, but which could lead to a completely new way of designing aircraft, and indeed potentially change the very look of aircraft of the future," said Michael Ryan, general manager of Bombardier in Belfast, Ireland, in a news release this week. "The program will also play an important part in helping the UK aerospace industry meet its commitments to sustainable aviation."