The next stage of the Clean Sky 2 program. The technology demonstrator has made a flight

The Clean Sky 2 program, or “Clean Sky”, which has been operating since 2008, aims to develop innovative technologies to reduce CO2 and other gas emissions and to reduce noise levels in the aviation industry. Today, it has entered a new level, as the European company Airbus Defense and Security has flown the C295 FTB2 transport aircraft technology demonstrator for the development of the program, as well as Horizon 2020.

The C295 FTB2 aircraft took to the skies. This is a sign of Clean Sky 2

The C295 FTB2 (Flight Test Bed 2) aircraft, i.e. an appropriately modified Airbus C295, is used to test the semimorfing technology in the form of a deformable wing, to test the new flight control system and the effectiveness of the SatCom satellite communication antenna embedded in the fuselage. We know that the current version of the C295 FTB2 also boasts floating control panels on the winglets and innovative ailerons and flaps with improved aerodynamics. These can be adjusted on the fly thanks to the advanced flight control system, thus increasing the lift.

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The manufacturing process has also changed thanks to the use of advanced materials and manufacturing methods, ranging from the use of scandium aluminum and magnesium alloy (Scalmalloy) and additive manufacturing to a new method of assembling wing elements (winglet, winglet control panel, flaps and ailerons). As a result, the C295 FTB2 not only verifies improvements in the operational use of the aircraft, but also helps Airbus engineers improve their design and manufacturing processes.

– we read in the announcement.

These modifications are designed to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions and noise. According to the official press announcement, thanks to the application of the proposed innovations in future multi-role aircraft with a range of 400 nautical miles, it will be possible to achieve up to 43% reduction of CO2 and 70% NOx, as well as reduce the noise accompanying take-off by 45%. All this against the backdrop of the constantly developing segment of completely emission-free aircraft, which, although taking significant steps in terms of development, most likely will not replace internal combustion models in transcontinental flights for many decades.