Aerodynamic tweaks will result in 1% reduction in fuel burn from 2009, with further gains from engine improvements
Airbus is about to begin delivering the next instalment of a major performance improvement package for the A320 family that will ultimately result in a 1% improvement in fuel burn for new aircraft from 2009. Further gains are promised through engine upgrades. However, the manufacturer is yet to decide on a winglet programme that could ultimately result in the package offering a 5% improvement.
The aerodynamic upgrades encompass a new engine pylon, surge tank vent and reprofiled belly fairing. The revised fuel tank surge vent in the outer wing is now in production and deliveries will begin before year-end, says Stuart Mann, Airbus director of product marketing for the A320 family. "The whole package is contained in the outboard access panel, so it is easy to retrofit and we're looking at a retrofit programme."
Deliveries of the new pylon began in November last year. "Some airlines want to keep their fleet standard so the new pylon will not become standard until summer 2008," says Mann.
The new pylon also has improved accessibility for maintenance and will offer more commonality between the pylons for the CFM International CFM56 and International Aero Engines V2500.
The introduction of the revised belly fairing "has been lagging a bit" as it prompted an evacuation test because it affects the shape of the wing by the emergency exits, says Mann. "Deliveries should begin late next year," he adds.
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The whole package results in "well over a 1%" reduction in drag, says Mann. "We're taking a conservative view so we've committed to a 1% improvement in our cruise performance standard from January 2009 when all the elements will be in service." He adds that the economic viability of retrofit programmes for the pylon and belly fairing are being studied.
In March Niki was the first customer to take delivery of the A320 family's new lightweight cabin on an A319. "We've bettered our target of a 50kg [110lb) weight saving on the A320 - typically we're seeing 70-80kg," says Mann.
When Airbus disclosed its plans last year, it said it was targeting an ultimate improvement of "4-5%", with new large winglets a key element. Although initial flight testing in 2006 of two winglet designs proved inconclusive, Mann says the company continues to evaluate the concept. "We were slightly disappointed we weren't able to bolt something on instantly. So we're now working quietly until we have something to say."
A head-up display will be delivered on the A320 family from the end of 2007, and Airbus continues to study class 2 and class 3 electronic flight bag programmes. A Category 1 GPS landing system will be available from the end of 2008.
Source: Flight International
