Airbus has released a picture showing the first A350 XWB - MSN001 - emerging from the Roger Béteille final assembly line in Toulouse as it moves to the next stage of ground testing.
It is the first time the airframer has shown the flying prototype with completed wings, following the recent addition of its curved winglets.
The twinjet is structurally complete, says Airbus, and also its shows belly fairing panels, and main landing gear doors.
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| Airbus A350 XWB |
Recent ground tests completed by the airframe include stability trials on control surfaces and the extension and retraction of its landing gear.
The next step will see the A350 transfer to Station 18 in the Clément Ader area of Airbus's facility where it will undergo fuel tank trials, pressure testing of the fuselage and radio equipment evaluations.
Airbus is aiming to fly MSN1 in mid-2013. Both of the aircraft's Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines have been delivered to the assembly line in Toulouse for podding and installation.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
