FUEL SAVING A320 SHARKLETS

A320 NEO

Anew milestone has been achieved in Airbus’ application of “Sharklets” to its single-aisle product line with this week’s rollout of the company’s first new-build A320 fitted with the large wingtip devices, which will reduce fuel burn and enhance aircraft performance.

The aircraft – Airbus’ 5,098th A320 Family jetliner produced to date – is one of seven that will participate in the certification test campaign for production-standard Sharklets that begins next month, logging some 600 hrs, as per airbus industrie.

Results of the tests will lead to certification of these fuel-saving devices on aircraft with both engine versions CFM56 an V2500 being offered for the current A320 Family.

Sharklets are offered as an option on members of the A320 Family now in production, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter airline service from the fourth quarter of 2012.  The wingtip devices will be standard on Airbus’ new A320neo Family.

Sized at approximately 2.5 metres tall, Sharklets are specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family and will reduce fuel burn by up to 3.5 percent – resulting in an annual CO2 reduction of some 700 tonnes per aircraft.(Airbus release)

How do Sharklets reduce fuel burn??

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With the fuel prices soaring high and fuel constituting major cost in airline operations, aircraft manufacturers will in time to come leverage all technology, airframe and engine enhancements to optimize fuel burn.

Let us know your views on whether there will be a paradigm shift in aircraft design in the future to optimize the fuel burn and help the emissions cause as well.