Airbus A-320 Begins Tests with Sharklets

Performance testing isn't glamorous, but it is what really confirms whether or not a design is going to do what it was built to do.  A 3.5% performance improvement just from the sharklets seems a bit optimistic to me, but I have to admit that the pictures I've seen of them make them look awfully long (about 2.5 meters tall) so perhaps...

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/11/airbus-20111130.html

Word now is that the initial test program will also focus on fine-tuning the flight-control laws.

http://www.aviationbusiness.com.au/news/a320-sharklets-flight-test-program-underway

F-35C Launches from Electro-Magnetic Rail Gun

It would seem that the UK is trying to finalize the design of a future carrier and would like to be sure that an EMALS launcher would be compatible with their future F-35CV fleet.

http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065931854&channel=defence

Northrop Grumman X-47B Adds Second Test Asset to Mix

The second airplane will allow stepped up performance testing to take place out at Edwards AFB.  This will allow the team to stay on pace to begin land-based carrier-suitability testing at Pax River next year.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/photo-release-increased-test-productivity-lifts-off-with-first-flight-of-second-northrop-grumman-built-x-47b-unmanned-aircraft-2011-11-28

(Photo Credit: U.S Navy)

It is difficult to tell for certain these days, but I believe this to be a notional picture only.

If it's real, then the bird is about to catch the 4-wire, which is NOT normally considered

a satisfactory trap.  There are also shadows of doors on the deck that do not appear to

be illuminated on the aircraft.

GE H-80 Turboprops Fly on Czech L-410

These engines are hoped to provide improved high density altitude takeoff and climb performance.  That should open up some additional destinations and markets for the aircraft.

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=14149308-1bff-4217-a154-6fae2e42a27b

L-410 Photo Courtesy http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/



Third Sukhoi PAK-FA Joins Test Program

The focus of the overall program seems to be avionics improvements that will add combat capability.  It isn't clear how the aircraft is doing in the basic areas of performance and flying qualities, but they have a lot of sorties in the books, so presumably a lot of that has been completed.  On to weapons integration?

http://www.4-traders.com/news/Third-PAK-FA-jet-joined-flight-test-program--13901711/

The Missile hit WHO?

You would think they would come up with a better title for this piece.  If I didn't know better, I would wonder if the Secret Service got involved...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/18/hypersonic_weapon_pacific_test/

F-35B Secondary Structural Cracks Slow Testing

The issue is hampering the plane's ability to perform vertical landings, but it would seem that there are still a number of test assets that can continue the work if need be.  Hopefully the pressure to stay on the sortie timeline won't lead to overlooking this kind of thing.  Some specifics are provided in the link below, but if you get to the end of it, you've got to wonder what kind of bug this Wheeler guy found in his cereal this morning.  Geez!

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-cracks-stop-vertical-landings-on-some-f-35bs-365059/

WSGI's Argus One UAV Testing

Looks like the primary focus is payload interface, although an upgraded propulsion system is also still undergoing some shakedown.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/argus-one-uav-completes-flight-testing-with-new-pod-bay-and-propulsion-system-in-preparation-for-upcoming-flight-testing-and-demonstrations-2011-11-17?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Army Hypersonic Weapon to Fly Soon?

Not a lot of detail in the link below, but it looks as though a flight test of what appears to be a "glide bomb" is coming soon.

http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20111114_8724.php

EAA To Catalog First Flights

This should be an interesting opportunity for those who will have access to the page.  Even though EAA First Flights will typically be "production flight test" since most completed projects are kits, there will also be a handful of no-kidding developmental flights as those who are flying a new design get airborne for the first time.  Should be a fun link!

http://eaaforums.org/showthread.php?766-Tell-us-about-your-First-Flight!

F-35 Flight Test Stats

The link offers a lot of stats on numbers of flights for the various F-35 models, but there isn't a lot to chew on regarding test results.  I guess you have to figure things can't be going too badly if they are taking the Marine version aboard amphibious assault ships.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/lockheed-martin-f-35-flight-test-progress-report-2011-11-04

e-Volo Multicopter makes First Flight

With a configuration suspiously similar to a recent Chinese design, this one apparently uses a bit more computer power to make it easier to operate.  Haven't heard much about the earlier, 8-motor version from a few months back.

http://www.eaa.org/news/2011/2011-11-02_evolo.asp

B-2 Tries to Tumble the Gyros

Somebody has to be the first one to do everything.  Systems testing like this to confirm navigation performance can result in some surprises, and has done so with very recent-generation aircraft.  Looks like a B-2 trip to the pole went well this time.

http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123278172