The third Airbus A350 XWB prototype aircraft- MSN3, arrived in Bolivia to undergo a series of high altitude tests at Cochabamba and La Paz ...
The third Airbus A350 XWB prototype aircraft- MSN3, arrived in Bolivia to undergo a series of high altitude tests at Cochabamba and La Paz airfields.
Cochabamba is around 8,300 feet above sea level, and La Paz is one of the world’s highest airports at 13,300 feet.The trials will demonstrate and validate the full functionality of engines, systems, materials as well as to assess the overall aircraft behaviour under these extreme conditions. A number of take-offs with all engines operating and with simulated engine failures are being performed at each of the airfields to collect data on engine operating characteristics and validate the aircraft take-off performance. The autopilot behaviour will also be evaluated during automatic landings and go-arounds.
Operations at such high altitude airfields are demanding on aircraft engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and systems, where the air density is low and hence crucial for all weather certification.
Since the A350 XWB’s first flight with MSN1 on June 14th 2013, over 800 flight test hours have been performed in close to 200 test flights by both MSN1 and MSN3.
In total the A350 XWB flight test campaign will accumulate around 2,500 flight hours with the fleet of five aircraft. The rigorous flight testing will lead to the certification of the A350-900 by the European EASA and US FAA airworthiness authorities, prior to entry into service in Q4 2014.
The new-generation widebody jetliner features advanced technologies that provide a 25 per cent step-change in fuel efficiency compared to its current long-range competitor.
Over 70 per cent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials, combining 53 per cent of composite structures with titanium and advanced aluminum alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel consumption, as well as easier maintenance.
Airbus A350 XWB family consists of three versions (the A350-800, -900 and -1000) – each with flight ranges that give them a global reach. In a typical two-class configuration, the A350-800 will accommodate 276 passengers, while the A350-900 and the A350-1000 will seat 315 and 369 passengers, respectively.
