Aircraft
Airbus Set To Fly Morphing Wing Testbed
Airbus expects to start flight testing early next year of a Cessna Citation VII demonstrator that will be used to test new wing technologies.
Airbus UpNext morphing wing Cessna Citation VII demonstrator on airport ramp
Airbus UpNext expects to start flight testing early next year of a Cessna Citation VII demonstrator that will be used to test new wing technologies. (Photo: Airbus)

Airbus expects to start flight testing early next year of its Xwing future wing demonstrator, which will integrate and fly breakthrough wing technologies on a Cessna Citation VII platform in various flight conditions. Following these trials, the business jet will be fitted with a morphing wing that is planned to be flight tested in 2024, the company said last week. 

The work on the “extra-performing wing” started in September 2021 and is part of the manufacturer’s Wing of Tomorrow program. According to Airbus, the demonstrator’s morphing wing will be compatible with any propulsion solution and aircraft configuration and would reduce carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to the company’s decarbonization roadmap.