Airbus Military has begun flight-testing a modification to add winglets to the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft - one of a series of product developments underway on the market-leading type.

The winglets, which are short extensions to the wingtips of the aircraft, have the potential to improve performance in the take-off, climb and cruise phases of flight by increasing the lift-drag ratio.

Possible in-service benefits include improved hot and high runway performance, increased range and endurance, and reduced operating costs.

First flight of the wingletted aircraft took place with complete success at Airbus Military’s Seville facility in Spain on 21 December. Data from that flight is being analyzed and will be added to data from future flights, providing the basis for a decision on whether or not to incorporate winglets into the C295 design.

The photograph shows the C295 during its first flight with winglets.