It’s on the 20th, not Thursday.
First Take-off Of Airbus A380 Due in 8 Days
By Ulf Stabe Apr 12, 2005, 05:55 GMT
printer friendly email this article
8 days are left until one of the most spectacular first flights of avionic history is scheduled. The Airbus A380, the only commercial airplane with an end-to-end double deck, will take off on the 20th of April for the first time.
Only the weather or problems in previous ground test can cause a delay. If all conditions are met, former Mirage jet pilot and chief-test pilot Jacques Rosay (49) can give full throttle on the runway of the Airbus production plant in Toulouse, France, to take off at a speed of 300 km/h.
The highest risk during the flight are expected to be vibrations of the wings, which will be filled with 310000 litres of kerosene, as well as vibrations of the tail section.
The most thrilling moment will be the landing after 4 or 5 hours of flight, when the 6 Titan alighting gears (6 m high, 22 Michelin tires) will absorb the full landing weight at a speed of 265 km/h.
Some technical details about the A380:
Overall length: 73 m (239 ft 3 in)
Cabin length: 50,68 m (166 ft 3 in)
Wing span (geometric): 79,8 m (261 ft 8 in)
Max. take-off weight: 560 tons (1235000 lb)
Max. landing weight: 386 tons (851000 lb)
Max. fuel capacity: 310000 Litres (81890 USg)
Power plants: Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines or GP7200 engines from The Engine Alliance (a General Electric and Pratt & Whitney joint venture)
Thrust Range 70,000 lb slst
Typical seating (three class): 555
Range (with max. passengers): 15000 km (8000 nm)
Max. operating mach n° (Mmo): 0,89 Mo
The 555-seat A380, due to enter service in 2006, is the most advanced, spacious and efficient airliner yet produced. Launched in December 2000, the aircraft which Airbus sees as the “flagship of the 21st century” was designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airports and airworthiness authorities.
Combining the very latest technologies for materials, systems and industrial processes, the A380 meets the most stringent international certification requirements. It can carry 35 per cent more passengers than its closest rival and with far more floor space available, the A380 enables airlines to deliver unparalleled comfort in every class and more open space for passengers to stretch their legs.
The A380’s efficiency and advanced technology result in 15-20 per cent lower seat-mile costs. Its range is 10 per cent greater than that of other large aircraft.
Quite simply the A380 will provide passengers on major long-haul routes like London-Singapore and Los-Angeles-Sydney with a new way of flying.
As to be expected in a major industrial project like this gigantic airplane, Airbus still faces some problems concerning the weight or the noise of the A380, but is confident that these will be solved.
Sign In
