s it a bird, is it a plane? Well, this new Airbus prototype aircraft is kind of both.
The plane manufacturer has unveiled a scale model aiplane that actually flaps its wings during flight. The model, named AlbatrossONE, has been going through various stages of testing since last year, and recently hit a new milestone by completing a successful ‘gate-to-gate’ proof of concept flight.
While the AlbatrossONE fuselage looks more or less the same as the aircraft we’re used to flying on, the model is equipped with longer-than-normal wings that are able to bend backwards and forwards at the tip, which Airbus says will allow for more efficient flight.
The aircraft, which is remote-controlled by developers from the ground, is named after the bird that inspired it. Like the Albatross, the plane’s semi-elasticated wing tips are designed to react to wing gusts while in flight.
Following the successful test flight, Airbus has posted a video of the model in action on YouTube:
In a Q&A posted to the Airbus website, semi-aeroelastic hinge project leader Tom Wilson explained how the plane was inspired by the bird’s ability to ‘lock’ and ‘unlock’ its wings depending on flying conditions.
