AIRBUS 380 - 21st CENTURY FLAGSHIP

On completion of the 2005 AGM, a talk with slide show was given by Mr Rob Bray, A380 Wing Product Engineering Leader. Airbus UK.

The talk covered a number of elements leading to thinking behind the A380 and the decision to take that route.

The elements covered were Airbus / The drivers behind the A380 / The design and Technology involved / The A380 itself and the infrastructure and transporting arrangements for the movement of structures (no existing aircraft are big enough for the purpose) / The Test Pro gramme / The approach to First Flight.

American manufacturers have expressed the intent to adopt the Fragmentation (Point to point – by-passing major hubs). Airbus however, have decided to adopt the Hub policy and there are currently 10 major air-ports that fall into this category. Airbus believe they have the fragmentation element already covered by the existing A330/A340 family of aircraft.

Airlines have stated a requirement for an aircraft that has increased capacity, comfort and range: A reduction in operating costs and environmental impact; with development capability & versatility and all fitting into a box 80m square x 80ft high. The A380 meets all these requirements.

There are currently 2 versions of the A380 in development: -

• The A380-800 Passenger Aircraft; with a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 560t. 550 seats and a range of 8000 nautical miles – estimated to be in service: Spring 2006

• The A380-800F Freighter Aircraft; with a MTOW of 590t. A 150t payload and a range of 5600 nautical miles – estimated to be in service: Mid 2008

The A380 first flying aircraft came out of jig July 7th 2004. The first flight is scheduled for Early 2005 and entry into service 2nd Quarter 2006.  The A380F first flight is scheduled for mid 2007 with entry into service mid 2008.

Bill Brand

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