The eight months of testing to date has allowed Airbus to finalise the A340-600's aerodynamic configuration, and confirm that the aircraft has similar handling qualities to the smaller A340 models. Approach speeds are higher than the A340-300's, but Airbus expects the-500/600 to be approved for single-type rating with earlier models.
According to Airbus chief engineer long-range programme Gordon McConnell, the A340-600's climb to initial cruise altitude performance at maximum take-off weight is "significantly better" than the target of FL (flight level) 330 (33,000ft [10,000m]).
"We can reach FL350 in under 30min," he says, adding that the-600's buffet boundary has also turned out better than predicted at all Mach numbers.
Natural icing flight-trials were undertaken in late December, while the second aircraft will travel to Canada this month for cold soak ground testing at temperatures of -40íC. Testing of the brake system and the Michelin near zero-growth radial tyres will also be completed by the end of January. "Around 25h of autopilot (A/P) tests have been completed, but we still have a lot of work left to do," says McConnell. Specific areas of testing that are outstanding include the A/P approach modes and the autoland.
Source: Flight International
