Airbus Sharklets take a “bite” out of A320 fuel consumption on their first test flight

30 November 2011 Headline news

The best-selling A320 Family jetliner – which is a familiar sight at airports around the world – assumed an even sleeker look today as the first aircraft equipped with Airbus’ fuel-saving “Sharklets” performed its maiden flight.

Using the Airbus in-house A320 development aircraft, this nearly five-hour initial flight marked the start of a multi-month test campaign from the company’s Toulouse, France headquarters that will validate the Sharkets’ performance, confirm their aerodynamic behavior and gather data for certification.

The Sharklets are designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 3.5 per cent, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of some 700 tonnes per aircraft, while also enhancing the payload/range and takeoff performance. 

Sized at approximately 2.5 metres tall and produced primarily with lightweight carbon fibre composites, Sharklets replace the current A320 wingtip fences that are smaller and of a modified triangular shape.  The Sharklets are standard on A320neo (new engine option) Family jetliners, and offered as optional equipment on new-build baseline versions of the single-aisle aircraft. 

To date, airlines and leasing companies have signed nearly 1,500 firm orders and commitments for Sharklet-equipped A320neo Family jetliners, while a growing number of customers also are selecting them for newly-ordered baseline versions in the A320 product line.

Sharklets derive their name from the resemblance to a shark’s fin, are part of Airbus’ ongoing continuous improvement programme for the A320 Family – which also includes other aerodynamic refinements, engine improvements, passenger cabin enhancements and extended service intervals for the airframe.

http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-sharklets-take-a-bite-out-of-a320-fuel-consumption-on-their-first-test-flight/

The A320 New Engine Option

Airbus’ A320 aircraft family – which is recognised worldwide as the benchmark single-aisle jetliner product line – will be even more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly with a new engine option now being offered to customers.    

"We are leveraging a reliable, mature aircraft and are making it even more efficient and environmentally friendly, said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO."

Designated the A320neo, this option provides the minimum change with maximum benefit for the best-selling A319, A320 and A321 through the availability of two new jet engine choices – CFM International’s LEAP-X and the PW1100G PurePower from Pratt & Whitney – along with the use of Airbus’ large Sharklets wing tip devices.  

Improvements with the A320neo include a 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, two tonnes of additional payload, up to 500 nautical miles of more range, lower operating costs, along with reductions in engine noise and emissions.

In the first year after its launch in December 2010, some 1,420 orders and commitments had been booked for the A320neo, making it the fastest-selling commercial jetliner ever.

A320neo Facts and Figures

The “A320neo Facts and Figures” document provides a quick-look overview of Airbus’ new engine option aircraft, including details on its significant environmental improvements and other programme information.

•  July_2011_A320neo_Facts___Figures.pdf — 94 KB 
• http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/spotlight-on-a320neo/

The Boeing Next-Generation 7373-800

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family.

Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets. The single-aisle jet, which can seat between 162 to 189 passengers, can fly 260 nautical miles farther and consume 7 percent less fuel while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

The 737-800 was launched on Sept. 5, 1994, with commitments from customers for more than 40 airplanes. The first delivery was to German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in spring 1998. On March 13, 1998, the 737-800 earned type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. JAA type validation of the 737-800 followed on April 9, 1998.

The 737-800, along with the other models of the Next-Generation 737 family (737-600, 737-700 and 737-900ER), offers a modern flight deck using the latest large flat-panel-display technology. Airlines can choose to provide their flight crews with either the latest display format, common with the 777, or opt for data format commonality with earlier 737 models.

The flight deck is equipped with optional technologies such as vertical situation display, which shows the current and predicted flight path of the airplane and indicates potential conflicts with terrain; and Head-up Display, which provides pilots with "eye-level" flight and safety information. Leading-edge display and flight-management software allows the airplane to fly the most restricted navigation routes through use of industry leading Required Navigation Performance. The Next-Generation 737 is the first commercial jet certified for Ground Positioning System landings, which use satellite technology to make landings more efficient, accurate, and environmentally friendly.

Advanced Engine Technology

In April 2009, Boeing and CFM introduced the New CFM56-7BE engine enhancements program to coincide with 737 airframe improvements. The combination reduces fuel consumption by two percent.

CFM's engine hardware changes will improve airflow, and the engine will run at cooler temperatures resulting in a one percent reduction in fuel consumption. Boeing's airplane structural improvements will reduce drag, reducing fuel use by about one percent. The combined improvements also equal a two percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Depending on the engine's thrust rating, the new engine will provide up to four percent lower maintenance costs.

The CFM56-7BE engine will be rolled into Boeing's production line in mid-2011. Boeing will introduce its airframe improvements into production as they become available, and all will be in place by early-2012.

The 737-800 incorporates an advanced-technology wing design that helps increase fuel capacity and efficiency, both of which increase range. The advanced wing airfoil design provides an economical cruise speed of .789 Mach (530 mph) - compared to .745 Mach for earlier 737 models. The Next-Generation 737 airplanes are capable of cruising to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet, compared to 39,000 feet for the competition.

In addition, advanced-technology Blended Winglets are offered as a production option on the 737-800. These eight-foot long wingtip extensions enhance range, fuel efficiency and take-off performance while lowering carbon emissions, engine maintenance costs and noise. Performance benefits include fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 3.5 percent.

737 Boeing Sky Interior Now in Service

Drawing from years of passenger research, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passenger eyes to the airplane's windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra leg room.

Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.

Speakers integrated into each row's passenger-service unit will improve sound and clarity of public address operations, while the new integrated air vent and improved noise-dampening materials will reduce overall cabin noise.

Deliveries of the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior began in late 2010.

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/wallpapers.html