Airbus has wrapped up high-elevation airport testing of the A350-1000 following a 10-day campaign in South America, and the aircraft involved has resumed tests in Toulouse.
Aircraft MSN71 undertook initial tests in Bolivia, operating to Cochabamba and La Paz.
MSN71 carried out several departures and landings at each airport for data-collection, says the airframer, operating at elevations of 2,300-4,000m.
The twinjet also carried out tests at the sea-level Colombian airport of Barranquilla.
“Early test results confirm the good performance and behaviour of both the aircraft and its [Rolls-Royce] Trent XWB-97 engines,” adds Airbus.
“This is a major successful milestone in the aircraft certification flight-test campaign.”
Temperatures during the overall programme spanned 8-32°C. Airbus describes the South American programme as a "high-and-warm" test.
The airframer typically carries out hot-weather tests in the Middle East, and used Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates to expose the A350-900 to temperatures over 40°C.
Airbus is aiming to deliver the A350-1000 for airline service later this year. Three of the variant are involved in the certification effort.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
