Airbus says the A380 remains on track for certification in October and that sub-assembly work is starting on the 29th aircraft.
While continuing to play down any potential certification impact from its mid-February premature wing static test failure, Airbus is staying focused on maintaining the momentum of its fast-paced, 2,500h flight test effort. This now embraces four aircraft which between them have amassed over 900 flight hours on more than 250 flights.
 |
MSN004, which had SIA colours for the show, is to undergo systems upgrades |
The second test aircraft (MSN004), displayed at the show, was due to return to Toulouse from Singapore for “upgrades to its electrical and air conditioning systems”, says senior vice-president flight test Fernando Alonso. Following these modifications, which come after hot-and-high tests in Colombia and cold weather trials in Canada, MSN004 “will really begin the main certification testing”, he adds. The aircraft will also be used to conduct electromagnetic interference tests at Toulouse in May.
MSN001, the first A380 to fly, has racked up over 632h in 170 flights, while MSN004 was last week approaching 80 flights and 280h. The third and fourth aircraft, MSN002 and 007, are being prepared for crucial cabin system, evacuation and interiors work. MSN002 is to re-enter the test effort by the end of March, following the finishing of its cabin interior, which is now “70% complete”, says A380 chief operating officer and programme head Charles Champion. “A cabin virtual first flight is planned for the end of March,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Champion confirms that initial A380s will enter service with conventional aluminium rather than composite wheels, due to production problems encountered by Honeywell and Meggitt-owned Dunlop Aerospace, which are jointly responsible for supplying the ultra-large airliner’s wheels and brakes.
Source: Flight International
