A scale model of the aircraft, based on a BAe 146 RJ100, was tested at Airbus's wind tunnel centre in Filton.
“The BAe 146 RJ100 aircraft is not designed to have hybrid-electric systems on board. We’re trying to take something that exists and turn it into a hybrid-electric demonstrator,” said Anna Calder, E-Fan X overall aircraft design engineer
One of the four jet engines will be replaced by a 2MW motor in the test aircraft. Other modifications to the BAe 146 RJ100 include the addition of large, externally mounted heat exchangers for liquid cooling systems, as well as intakes and an exhaust for the fuselage-mounted power generation system.
If the E-Fan X is to embark on its first flight in 2021, engineers must understand how these modifications will impact the aircraft’s overall aerodynamic performance and handling qualities. And wind tunnel testing can provide invaluable insight in this respect.
The key takeaway from wind tunnel testing is a better understanding of the E-Fan X’s overall aerodynamic design. In addition, the test programme offered insight on all aspects relating to low-speed performance and handling qualities.
“The only change we discovered during the test programme is that we need to modify the porosity of some of the devices inside the ducts to ensure they relate correctly to the full-scale E-Fan X model devices,” said Paul Gingell, Airbus Wind Tunnel Test Engineer.
Future milestones include flight tests for characterisation and installation of the 2MW motor on the test aircraft in 2020.
