Atkins’ design and analysis in support of wing tip extensions for the A320 family of aircraft will help increase payload, reduce noise and bring down fuel consumption by 3.5%.This is equivalent to a reduction of approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ per aircraft, per year.

To incorporate the additional aerodynamic loads generated by the addition of the Sharklet wingtip devices, the existing wing needs to be checked and, in some areas, design modifications will be required. Atkins is responsible for the analysis and related design on the wing leading and trailing edge.

Atkins is combining the use of innovative analysis techniques and the latest methods to minimise the changes required to the wing. Overall, this will help ensure that the weight of the wing does not increase, which would, in turn, increase fuel consumption.

Atkins’ ability to mobilise large, highly-skilled aerospace engineering teams and to integrate with Airbus engineering teams in the US, UK and Germany is key to delivery of this project.

• Advanced composite materials
• Aerospace engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Project & programme management
• Structural design & assessments
• Structural integrity management

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