Is the A320 wing becoming too small
This statement was written in to a magazine that I read recently. The A321 wing does seem to have some issues in terms of speedbrake operation as well. Is it time for a new wing design?
"The A320 wing was designed 35 years ago for a 70T platform and has remained the same on all versions, from the A318 through to the A321.While unchanged, the wing has seen a steady loading increase: to 83T on the first A321, then 89 and 93.5T, and is finally expected to go up to 101T on the A321XLR.This increased wing loading has meant higher takeoff speeds, reaching close to the maximum tyre speed limits. And a lower safety margin at altitude – in other words, a tighter “coffin corner”, and lower stability protection.Where and when would the civil aviation authorities stop manufacturers from creeping ever so closer to the performance limits of a product?"