Aircraft Information Database - AIRBUS

[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A300-600 - Aircraft Information
Medium range widebody airliner




Powerplants
Two 262.4kN (59,000lb) General Electric CF6-80C2A1s, or two 273.6kN (61,500lb) CF6-80C2A5s, or two 249kN (56,000lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4156s or two 258kN (58,000lb) PW-4158 turbofans.

Performance
A300-600R - Max cruising speed 897km/h (484kt), long range cruising speed 875km/h (472kt). Range at typical airline operating weight with 267 passengers with 370km (200nm) reserves and standard fuel 7505km (4050nm) with CF6s, or 7540km (4070nm) with PW-4000s.
A300-600 - Range at same parameters 6670km (3600nm).
A300-600F - Range with max payload, and reserves 4908km (2650nm).

Weights
A300-600 - Operating empty with CF6s 90,115kg (198,665lb), with PW-4000s 90,065kg (198,565lb). Max takeoff 165,900kg (365,745lb).
A300-600R - Operating empty 91,040kg (200,700lb) with CF6s, or 90,965kg (200,550lb) with PW4000s, max takeoff 170,500kg (375,855lb), or optionally 171,700kg (378,535lb).
A300-600F - (CF6 powered) Operating empty 78,335kg (172,700lb), max takeoff 170,500kg (375,900lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 44.84m (147ft 1in), length 54.08m (177ft 5in), height 16.62m (54ft 6.5in). Wing area 260.0m2 (2798.7sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Typical two class arrangement for 26 premium class passengers at six abreast and 240 economy class passengers at eight abreast. The A300-600 and 600R can carry 22 LD3 containers in forward and aft belly cargo holds.
A300-600F total payload 55,017kg (121,290lb).

Production
A total of 271 A300-600s of all variants had been ordered by late 2000, of which 242 had been delivered.


History
The A300-600 development of the earlier A300B4 incorporated a number of significant improvements and refinements, foremost being a two crew flightdeck and increased range.

Apart from the two crew EFIS cockpit, with digital avionics based on that developed for the A310, changes included the A310's tail empennage which increased freight and passenger payloads, small winglets (an option from 1989, standard from 1991), simplified systems, greater use of composites, Fowler flaps and increased camber on the wings, new brakes and APU, and improved payload/range through an extensive drag reducing airframe clean up and new engines. First flight for the A300-600 was on July 8 1983, the first airline delivery was in March 1984.

The A300-600 was further developed into the longer range A300-600R, its extended range courtesy of a fuel trim tank in the tailplane and higher maximum takeoff weights. First flight was on December 9 1987, first delivery was April 20 1988 (to American Airlines).

Convertible freight/passenger versions of all variants of the A300 have been offered, as has the all freight A300F4-600. The first new build pure freighter A300, one of 36 ordered for Federal Express, flew in December 1993. UPS is another major A300-600F customer, following its September 1998 order for 30. Airbus also offers conversion packages of existing passenger A300s into freighters with a left side forward freight door and strengthened floor.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A300-600ST Super Transporter - Aircraft Information
Oversize cargo freighter




Powerplants
Two 262.4kN (59,000lb) class General Electric CF6-80C2A8 turbofans.

Performance
Max cruising speed 780km/h (421kt). Range with a 40 tonne payload 2400km (1295nm), range with a 30 tonne (66,150lb) payload 4000km (2160nm).

Weights
Max payload 47 tonnes (103,615lb), max takeoff 155,000kg (341,700lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 44.84m (147ft 0in), length 56.16m (184ft 3in), height 17.23m (56ft 6in). Wing area 260m2 (2798.7sq ft). Internal usable length 37.70m (123ft 8in), diameter 7.40m (24ft 3in).

Capacity
The A300-600ST's max payload of 47 tonnes (103,615lb) is unlikely to be fully utilized, as the emphasis of the design is on volume rather than payload. The internal main cabin volume is 1400m3 (49,442cu ft), and can carry a range of oversize components, such as a fully equipped A330 or A340 wing shipset, or two A320/321 wing shipsets, or two A310 fuselage sections (front & rear).

Production
Airbus has taken delivery of its four A300-600STs originally on order and has converted an option on a fifth to a firm order.


History
The A300-600ST Super Transporter was designed to replace Airbus Industrie's Super Guppy transports, used by the consortium to ferry oversize components such as wings and fuselage sections between Airbus' partners' plants throughout western Europe.

Development of the A300-600ST, nicknamed Beluga and also Super Flipper, began in August 1991. The A300-600ST's tight development program - for what in many ways is effectively a new aircraft - saw the transport rolled out in June 1994, with first flight on September 13 that year. The A300-600ST then entered a 400 hour flight test program which culminated in mid 1995, with certification awarded that September and with delivery and entry into service with Airbus in January 1996. All of the first four on order had been delivered by mid 1998 (allowing the Super Guppy's retirement in October 1997). The fifth Super Transporter is scheduled to be delivered in 2001.

The A300-600ST is based on the A300-600 airliner, with which it shares the wing, lower fuselage, main undercarriage and cockpit. The main differences are obvious - a bulged main deck, new forward lower fuselage, new enlarged tail with winglets and an upwards hinging main cargo door. A design study of a similarly configured A340, the A340ST Mega Transporter, to carry A3XX components is underway.

Program management of the A300-600ST is the responsibility of the Special Aircraft Transport Company, or SATIC, an economic interest grouping formed on a 50/50 basis by Aerospatiale and DASA operating on behalf of Airbus Industrie. While much of the work on the aircraft is performed by the Airbus partners, other European companies are also involved in the program.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A300B2/B4 - Aircraft Information
Medium range widebody airliner




Powerplants
A300B2/B4 - Two 227kN (51,000lb) General Electric CF6-50Cs or 236kN (53,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT9D-9 turbofans.

Performance
A300B2-200 - Typical high speed cruising speed 917km/h (495kt), typical long range cruising speed 847km/h (457kt). Range with 269 passengers and reserves 3430km (1850nm). A300B4-200 - Same except range with 269 passengers and reserves 5375km (2900nm), range with max fuel 6300km (3400nm).

Weights
A300B2-200 - Operating empty 85,910kg (189,400lb), max takeoff 142,000kg (313,055lb).
A300B4-200 - Operating empty 88,500kg (195,109lb), max takeoff 165,000kg (363,760lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 44.84m (147ft 1in), length 53.62m (175ft 11in), height 16.53m (54ft 3in). Wing area 260.0m2 (2798.7sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two pilots and a flight engineer. Seating for between 220 and 336 single class passengers in main cabin. Typical two class arrangement for 20 business class and 230 economy class passengers. Belly cargo compartments can carry 20 LD3 containers.

Production
A300B2 and B4 orders stood at 249 when production was completed in 1984. Approximately 214 in service at late 1998.


History
The Airbus A300 is significant not only for being a commercial success in its own right, but for being the first design of Europe's most successful postwar airliner manufacturer.

Aerospatiale of France, CASA of Spain and the forerunners of Germany's Daimler Chrysler Aerospace and British Aerospace formed the Airbus Industrie consortium in the late 1960s specifically to develop a twin engined 300 seat widebody `air bus' to fill an identified market gap.

The original 300 seat airliner design matured into a smaller 250 seater, the A300 designation gaining a `B' suffix to denote the change. Two prototype A300B1s were built, the first of these flying from Toulouse, France on October 28 1972, the second on February 5 the next year. The General Electric CF6 was the powerplant choice for initial A300s. Following the prototype A300B1s was the 2.65m (8ft 8in) longer A300B2, the first production version which first flew in April 1974. The B2 entered service with Air France on May 23 1974.

Subsequent versions included the B2-200 with Krueger leading edge flaps and different wheels and brakes; the B2-300 with increased weights for greater payload and multi stop capability; the B4-100 a longer range version of the B2 with Krueger flaps; and the increased max takeoff weight B4-200 which featured reinforced wings and fuselage, improved landing gear and optional rear cargo bay fuel tank. A small number of A300C convertibles were also built, these featured a main deck freight door behind the wing on the left hand side. Late in the A300B4's production life an optional two crew flightdeck was offered as the A300-200FF (customers were Garuda, Tunis Air and VASP).

Production of the A300B4 ceased in May 1984, with manufacture switching to the improved A300-600.

Older A300s are now finding a useful niche as freighters, with a number of companies, in particular Daimler Chrysler Aerospace Airbus, offering conversion programs.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A310 - Aircraft Information
Medium to long range widebody airliner




Powerplants
Initial powerplant choice of either two 213.5kN (48,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4D1s or two 222.4kN (50,000lb) General Electric CF6-80A3 turbofans. Current choices of 238kN (53,500lb) CF6-80C2A2s, 262.4kN (59,000lb) CF6-80C2A8s, 231.2kN (52,000lb) PW-4152s, or 249.1kN (56,000lb) PW-4156s.

Performance
Max cruising speed 897km/h (484kt), long range cruising speed 850km/h (459kt). Range at typical airliner operating weight with 218 passengers and baggage and reserves 6800km (3670nm) for A310-200, 7982km (4310nm) for CF6 powered A310-300, 9580km (5170nm) for high gross weight A310-300 with CF6s.

Weights
A310-200 with CF6-80C2A2s - Operating empty 80,142kg (176,683lb), max takeoff 142,000kg (313,055lb). A310-300 with CF6-80C2A8s - Operating empty 81,205kg (179,025lb), max takeoff 150,000kg (330,695lb) standard, or higher gross weight options through to 164,000kg (361,560lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 43.89m (144ft 0in), length 46.66m (153ft 1in), height 15.80m (51ft 10in). Wing area 219.0m2 (2357.3sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Max passenger capacity at nine abreast 280. Typical two class arrangement for 20 passengers at six abreast and 192 economy class passenger eight abreast. Cargo capacity in fore and aft underfloor compartments can hold 2.44 x 3.17m (88 x 125in) pallets or a total of up to 14 LD3 containers.

Production
Total orders held for the A310 stood at 261 at late 1998, of which more than 250 had been delivered.


History
The A310 first began life as the A300B10, one of a number of projected developments and derivatives of Airbus' original A300B airliner.

While based on the larger A300, the A310 introduced a number of major changes. The fuselage was shortened by 13 frames compared to the A300B, reducing seating to around 200 to 230 passengers and a new higher aspect ratio wing of smaller span and area was developed. New and smaller horizontal tail surfaces, fly-by-wire outboard spoilers and a two crew EFIS flightdeck were incorporated, while the engine pylons were common to suit both engine options.

The first flight of the A310 occurred on April 3 1982, after the program was launched in July 1978. Service entry was with Lufthansa in April 1983. Early production A310s did not have the small winglets that became a feature of later build A310-200s and the A310-300. The A310-300 is a longer range development of the base A310-200, and has been in production since 1985. This version can carry a further 7000kg (15,430lb) of fuel in the tailplane.

The A310-200F freighter is available new build or as a conversion of existing aircraft (13 A310s were converted to freighters for Federal Express by Airbus partner Daimler Benz [now DaimlerChrysler] Aerospace Airbus). The A310-200C convertible passenger/freighter first entered service with Dutch operator Martinair in 1984.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A318 - Aircraft Information
100 seat regional airliner




Powerplants
Two Pratt & Whitney PW-6000 or CFM International CF56-5 turbofans with a thrust range from 96.0kN (21,600lb) to 105.9kN (23,800lb)

Performance
Max operating Mach No. M0.82
Range at 59 tonne (129,955lb) takeoff weight 2780km (1500nm), range at 61.5 tonne (135,463lb) takeoff weight 3705km (2000nm).

Weights
Standard max takeoff 59,000kg (130,100lb), optionally up to 68,000kg (149,900lb). Typical operating weight empty 38,375kg (84.600lb)

Dimensions
Wing span 34.09m (111ft 10in), length 31.44m (103ft 2in), height 12.56m (41ft 2in), wing area 122.6m2 (1320ft2)

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Standard seating for 107 passengers (eight premium class at four abreast and 97cm/38in pitch, 99 economy class at six abreast and 81cm/32in pitch). Single class seating for 117 at 81cm (32in) pitch at six abreast.

Production
By Jan.2002 total orders for the A318 stood at 114.
Initial deliveries planned for late 2002.


History
The A318 will be Airbus' smallest airliner and is the European manufacturer's first foray into the 100 seat market.

Airbus' initial efforts at developing a 100 seat airliner were focused on the all new AE31X program (covering the baseline 95 seat AE316 and 115-125 seat AE317) which Airbus and Alenia, as Airbus Industrie Asia, were developing in conjunction with AVIC of China and Singapore Technologies. The AE31X program arose out of earlier Chinese and South Korean studies for a 100 seater and a framework agreement covering its development was signed in May 1997. However on September 3 1998 Airbus announced termination of the project saying it was not economically viable.

The AE31X would have flown in mid 2002 and entered service in mid 2003. Final assembly would have been undertaken at Xian in China by Xian Aircraft Company.

Even before the cancellation of the AE31X program Airbus had been independently studying a minimum change 100 seat derivative of the A319 covered by the A319M5 designation (M5 = minus five fuselage frames). Following the AE31X's cancellation Airbus announced the commercial launch of the A319M5 as the A318 at the 1998 Farnborough Airshow.

Airbus announced the A318's industrial launch in April 1999, allowing full scale development to get underway, permitting service entry in late 2002. Program development cost is estimated at $US300m, and the list unit price $US36m.

Compared with the A319, the A318 is 4.5 frames shorter, reducing standard two class seating from 124 to 107. The A318's other significant new feature will be its powerplant, the newly developed Pratt & Whitney PW-6000 (being developed in the 67-102kN/15-23,000lb thrust class), but the CFM International CFM56-5 is also available. Other changes will include a small dorsal fin added to the tail, modified wing camber, and a reduced size cargo door.

Otherwise the A318 will retain much commonality with the rest of the A320 family, including the advanced flightdeck with side stick controllers and fly-by-wire flight controls allowing a common type rating, and the same six abreast fuselage cross section.

The first flight was made on January 15, 2002 from Hamburg-Finkenwerder.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A319 - Aircraft Information
Medium range airliner




Powerplants
Two 98 to 104.5kN (22,000 to 23,500lb) class CFM International CFM56-5As turbofans or International Aero Engines IAE V2500-A5s.

Performance
Speeds similar to A320. Range at 64 tonne (141,095lb) takeoff weight 3391km (1831nm), range at 75,500kg (166,450lb) takeoff weight 6845km (3697nm).

Weights
Operating empty 39,884kg (87,930lb), standard max takeoff 64,000kg (141,094lb) or optionally 75,500kg (166,450lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 33.91m (111ft 3in), length 33.84m (111ft 0in), height 11.80m (38ft 8.5in). Wing area 122.4m2 (1317.5sq ft).

Capacity
Seating for 124 passengers in a typical two class configuration (eight premium class and 116 economy class). High density single class layout can seat 142 passengers.

Production
At late 1998 total orders for the A319 stood at approx 541 with 108 delivered.


History
The A319 is one of the smaller members of Airbus' highly successful single aisle airliner family currently in service, and competes with Boeing's 737-300 and 737-700.

The A319 program was launched at the Paris Airshow in June 1993 on the basis of just six orders placed by ILFC late in 1992 and the predicted better prospects of the commercial airliner market, which were certainly realized. The first A319 airline order came from French carrier Air Inter (since merged into Air France), whose order for six was announced in February 1994. Since then Swissair, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Northwest, United, US Airways and British Airways are among the major customers that have ordered more than 500 A319s (all also operate or have on order A320s).

The A319 flew for the first time on August 25 1995 from Hamburg in Germany. European JAA certification and service entry, with Swissair, took place in April 1996.

The A319 is a minimum change, shortened derivative of the highly successful A320. The major difference between the A320 and A319 is that the latter is shorter by seven fuselage frames, while in almost all other respects the A319 and A320 are identical.

Like the A321, A330 and A340, the A319 features Airbus' common two crew glass cockpit with sidestick controllers first introduced on the A320. There are significant crew training cost benefits and operational savings from this arrangement as the A319, A320 and A321 can all be flown by pilots with the same type rating, meaning that the same flight crew pool can fly any of the three types. Further, the identical cockpit means reduced training times for crews converting to the larger A330 and A340. The A319 is said to have the longest range in this category of airliner.

Like the A321, A319 final assembly takes place in Hamburg with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus. Final assembly of all other Airbus airliners, including the A320, takes place at Toulouse.

The A319 forms the basis for the new baby of the Airbus family, the A318 100 seater (described separately), and the Airbus A319 Corporate Jetliner (also described separately).


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The AIRBUS A319 Corporate Jet - Aircraft Information
Long range large corporate jet




Powerplants
Two 118kN (26,500lb) International Aero Engines IAE V2527M-A5 or CFM International CFM56 turbofans.

Performance
Max cruising speed Mach 0.82. Max altitude 41,000ft. Range with 10 passengers 11,650km (6300nm). Rate of climb 23min to 37,000ft

Weights
Max take-off 75,500kg (166,450lb), zero fuel 58,515 kg (129,000lb)

Dimensions
Wing span 33.91m (111ft 3in), length 33.80m (110ft 11in), height 11.80m (38ft 8.5in). Wing area 122.4m2 (1317.5sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Six standard layouts offering seating from 10 to 39 passengers.

Production
Up to 12 A319CJs expected to be built each year. First customer delivery scheduled for November 1999. Green A319CJ costs $US35m, interior completion can cost $US4-10m. Twelve firm orders held at late 1998.


History
The Airbus Corporate Jetliner, or A319CJ, is a long range corporate jet development of the A319 airliner which competes directly with the Boeing Business Jet and dedicated long range corporate jets such as the Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream V.

Airbus launched the A319CJ at the 1997 Paris Airshow and the first A319CJ rolled out of Dasa's Hamburg A319/A321 assembly hall in October 1998. The airframe was then due to be fitted with belly auxiliary fuel tanks and flight test instrumentation prior to making a first flight in May 1999. Certification is planned for mid 1999 with the first customer delivery due in November that year.

Unlike the Boeing Business Jet, which combines the 737-700's airframe with the 737-800's strengthened wing and undercarriage, the A319CJ is designed to be a minimum change development of the A319. This means, according to Airbus, that the A319CJ can be easily converted to an airliner, thus increasing the aircraft's potential resale value.

The first A319CJ is powered by IAE V2500s but CFM56s are also available, while the A319's containerized cargo hold means that the CJ's auxiliary fuel tanks can be easily loaded and unloaded, giving operators flexibility to reconfigure the aircraft for varying payload/range requirements. Like the rest of the A320 single aisle family (plus the A330 and A340), the A319CJ shares Airbus' common advanced six screen EFIS flightdeck with sidestick controllers, plus fly-by-wire flight controls.

At mid 2002 Airbus had selected five cabin outfitters for the aircraft - among which Lufthansa Technik in Germany, Jet Aviation of Switzerland, and Air France Industries. Airbus will supply green A319CJ airframes to the outfitters for interior fitments. Interiors weigh around 3.8 tonnes (8500lb) and cost $US4-10m. Outfitting will typically take four to six months.

The first A319CJ order, announced in December 1997, was placed by a Kuwaiti individual. Among the later customers are the Italian, French, and Venezuelan Air Forces, Taiwan's Eva Air, and Qatar Airways.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A320 - Aircraft Information
Short to medium range airliner

[Captain In Command]

What rules? Copyright..? To be honest, I couldn't care less about copyright pictures...

No success has ever been achieved without breaking the rules. :-*What kind of success will you ever get by 100% following rules?

"If you want to be successful, you will eventually have to break the rules" -wikipedia


I just see a nice picture, I post them up. No matter whether they are copyrighted or not.. I simply couldn't care less.

So.. on with the Database!


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A321 - Aircraft Information
Short to medium range narrowbody airliner




Powerplants
A321-100 - Choice of two 133.4kN (30,000lb) International Aero Engines V-2530-A5 or CFM International CFM-56-5B1 turbofans. CFM-56-5B2s of 139.7kN (31,000lb) available as an option.
A321-200 - As above or 142.3kN (32,000lb) CFM-56-5B3s or 146.8kN (33,000lb) V-2533-A5s.

Performance
A321-100 - Max cruising speed 903km/h (488kt), economical cruising speed 828km/h (447kt). Range with 186 passengers and reserves 4352km (2350nm) with V-2530s, 4260km (2300nm) with CFM-56s.
A321-200 - Range 4907km (2650nm).

Weights
A321-100 - Operating empty 47,776kg (105,330lb) with V-2530s, 47,900kg (105,605lb) with CFM-56s. Max takeoff (with either engine option) 83,000kg (183,000lb) or 85,000kg (187,390lb).
A321-200 - Operating empty 48,024kg (105,875lb) with CFM-56-5B3s, 48,139kg (106,130lb) with V-2533-A5s, max takeoff 89,000kg (196,210lb) or 93,000kg (205,000lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 34.09m (111ft 10in), length 44.51m (146ft 0in), height 11.76m (38ft 7in). Wing area 123.0m2 (1320sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Maximum passenger accommodation in a high density layout of 220 passengers. Passenger accommodation in a typical two class arrangement consists of 16 passengers at four abreast, and 170 passengers at six abreast.

Production
250 A321s ordered by late 1998 with 104 delivered.


History
Like the shortened A319, the A321 is a minimum change, in this case stretched, development of the successful A320.

The A321 program was launched in November 1989 and the first development aircraft first flew on March 11 1993. European certification was awarded in December that year.

Compared with the A320 the A321's major change is the stretched fuselage, with forward and rear fuselage plugs totaling 6.93m (22ft 9in) (front plug immediately forward of wing 4.27m/14ft, rear plug directly behind the wing 2.67m/8ft 9in).

Other changes include strengthening of the undercarriage to cope with the higher weights, more powerful engines, a simplified and refined fuel system and larger tires for better braking. A slightly modified wing with double slotted flaps and modifications to the flight controls allows the A321's handling characteristics to closely resemble the A320's. The A321 features an identical flightdeck to that on the A319 and A320, and shares the same type rating as the smaller two aircraft.

The basic A321-100 features a reduction in range compared to the A320 as extra fuel tankage was not added to the initial design to compensate for the extra weight. To overcome this Airbus launched the longer range, heavier A321-200 development in 1995 which has a full pax transcontinental US range. This is achieved through higher thrust V2533-A5 or CFM56-5B3 engines and minor structural strengthening and 2900 litres (766US gal/638Imp gal) greater fuel capacity with the installation of an ACT (additional center tank).

The A321-200 first flew from Daimler Benz (now DaimlerChrysler) Aerospace's Hamburg facilities in December 1996.


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[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A330-200 - Aircraft Information
Long range widebody airliner




Powerplants
A330-200 - Choice of two 300.3kN (67,500lb) General Electric CF6-80E1A2s, 286.7kN (64,000lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4164s, or PW-4168s or 302.5kN (68,000lb) RollsRoyce Trent 768 or Trent 772 turbofans.

Performance
Max cruising speed 880km/h (475kt) at 33,000ft, economical cruising speed 860km/h (464kt). Range with max passengers and reserves at 230t MTOW 11,850km (6400nm), at 217t MTOW 8890km (4800nm).

Weights
A330-200 - Operating empty 120,150kg (264,875lb) with CF6 engines, 120,750kg (266,200lb) with PW4168s, or 120,250kg (265,150lb) with Trents. Max takeoff 230,000-233,000kg (507,050-513,670lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 60.30m (197ft 10in), length 59.00m (193ft 7in), height 16.83m (55ft 2in). Wing area 363.1m2 (3908.4sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Passenger seating arrangements for 256 in three classes or 293 in two classes. Front and rear underbelly cargo holds can take 26 LD3 containers or six freight pallets and passenger baggage.

Production
Total A330-200 built stood at 108 at June 2002. Deliveries began in April 1998.


History
The A330-200 is the newest member of Airbus' widebody twinjet family and is a long range, shortened development of the standard A330, developed in part as a replacement for the A300-600R and a competitor to the 767-300ER.

Airbus launched development of the A330-200 in November 1995, followed by the first customer order, for 13 from ILFC, placed in February 1996. First flight was on August 13 1997, with certification and first customer deliveries,to ILFC/Canada 3000, in April 1998.

The A330-200 is based on the A330-300 and shares near identical systems, airframe, flight deck and wings, the only major difference being the fuselage length. Compared with the 300 the A330-200 is 10 frames shorter, and so has an overall length of 59.00m (193ft 7in), compared with 63.70m (209ft 0in) for the standard length aircraft. This allows the A330-200 to seat 256 passengers in a three class configuration, or alternatively 293 in two classes.

Because of its decreased length the A330-200 features enlarged horizontal and vertical tail services (to compensate for the loss of moment arm with the shorter fuselage). Another important change is the addition of a center fuel tank, which increases the A330-200's fuel capacity over the 300's, and results in the 200's 11,850km (6400nm) range.

Like the A330, engine options are the GE CF6-80, Pratt & Whitney 4000 series and the RollsRoyce Trent 700.

The A330-200 has sold quite strongly since its launch. Among the initial A330-200 customers are, apart from ILFC, Canada 3000, Korean Air, Austrian, Air Transat, Emirates, Swissair, Sabena, Monarch, Asiana, TAM, and Air Lanka.


Captain In Command

[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A330-300 - Aircraft Information
Large capacity medium to long range airliner




Powerplants
A330-300 - Choice of two 300.3kN (67,500lb) General Electric CF6-80E1A2s, 284.7kN (64,000lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4164s, or PW-4168s or 304.6kN (68,000lb) RollsRoyce Trent 768 or Trent 772 turbofans.
Long range A330 choice of P&W PW-4164s or PW-4168s or RR Trent 768s or 772s or 324kN (73,000lb) PW-4173s.

Performance
Max cruising speed 880km/h (475kt) at 33,000ft, economical cruising speed 860km/h (464kt). Range with 335 pax and reserves 8340km (4500nm) with CF6s, or 8430km (4550nm) with P&W engines, or 8600km (4640nm) with Trents.
A330 longer range version with max passengers range 10,185km (5,500nm).

Weights
A330-300 - Operating empty 121,870kg (268,675lb) with CF6 engines, 122,460kg (269,975lb) with PW-4000s, and 121,970kg (268,900lb) with Trents. Max takeoff 212,000kg (467,380lb).
Long range A330 - Operating empty 122,780kg (270,675lb) with PW4000s or 122,210kg (269,425lb) with CF6s, 122,300kg (269,625lb) with Trents, max takeoff 217,000kg (478,400lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 60.30m (197ft 10in), length 63.69m (210ft 0in), height 16.83m (55ft 2in). Wing area 363.1m2 (3908.4sq ft).

Capacity
Flight crew of two. Passenger seating arrangements for 295 in three classes or 335 in two class (30 premium class at 2+3+2 and 305 economy at 2+4+2). Max passengers in high density configuration 440. Front and rear underbelly cargo holds can take 32 LD3 containers or 11 pallets.

Production
Total orders stood at 177 at late 1998, of which over 70 were in service.


History
The A330-300 is the biggest member of Airbus' twinjet family and is closely related to the four engined long range A340 with which it shares near identical systems, airframe, flight deck and wings, the only major difference being the twin (versus four) engine configuration.

The A340 and A330 were launched simultaneously in June 1987. Although developed in parallel the A330-300 made its first flight after the A340, on November 2 1992. It was the first aircraft to achieve simultaneous European Joint Airworthiness Authorities (JAA) and US FAA certification, on October 21 1993. Entry into service took place by the end of that year.

Differences from the A340 aside from the number of engines are slight changes to the wing and internal systems, including fuel tankage. The A330 (like the A340) takes advantage of a number of technologies first pioneered on the A320, including the common advanced EFIS flight deck with side stick controllers and flybywire computerized flight control system.

While the standard A330-300 shares the same fuselage length as the A340-300, Airbus has studied various stretched (A330-400) and shortened (A330-100 and 200) versions. The shortened A330-200 was formally launched in 1996 as a long range 767-300ER competitor, and is described separately. One stretched, high capacity concept studied for a time featured lower deck seating in place of the forward freight hold.


Captain In Command

[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A340-200/300 - Aircraft Information - Captain El's Favorite!
Long range widebody airliner




Powerplants
Four 138.8kN (31,200lb) CFM International CFM56-5C or 145kN (32,550lb) CFM56-5C3 turbofans.

Performance
A340-200 - Max cruising speed 914km/h (494kt), economical cruising speed 880km/h (475kt). Range at typical airline operating weight with 263 passengers and reserves 13,805km (7450nm).
A340-300 - Speeds same. Range at typical airline operating weight with 295 passengers and reserves 12,415km (6700nm).

Weights
A340-200 - Operating empty 126,000kg (277,775lb), max takeoff 260,000kg (573,200lb).
A340-300 - Operating empty 129,800kg (286,150lb), max takeoff 260,000kg (573,200lb).
A340-300E - Operating empty 129,300-130,200kg (285,050-287,050lb), MTOW 271,000kg (597,450lb) or 275,000kg (606,275lb).

Dimensions
A340-200 - Wing span 60.30m (197ft 0in), length 59.39m (194ft 10in), height 16.74m (54ft 11in). Wing area 363.1m2 (3908.4sq ft).
A340-300 - Same except for length 63.70m (209ft 0in).

Capacity
Flight crew of two.
A340-200 - Typical three class arrangement for 263 pax, or 303 in two classes.
A340-300 - Typical three class accommodation for 303, or 335 in two classes. Fore and aft underbelly holds can accommodate LD3 containers or pallets.

Production
A total of 321 A340 (including all series) had been ordered by May 2002, of which 217 had been delivered.


History
The A340-200 and 300 are the initial variants of the successful quad engined A340 family of long haul widebodies.

The A340 and closely related A330 were launched in June 1987, with the A340's first flight occurring on October 25 1991 (an A340-300). The A340 entered service with Lufthansa and Air France in March 1993, following JAA certification the previous December.

The A340 shares the same flight deck including side stick controllers and EFIS, plus flybywire, basic airframe, systems, fuselage and wing with the A330 (the flightdeck is also common to the A320 series). Power is from four CFM56s, the four engine configuration being more efficient for long range flights (as twins need more power for a given weight for engine out on takeoff performance) and free from ETOPS restrictions.

The A340-300 has the same fuselage length as the A330-300, while the shortened A340-200 trades seating capacity for greater range (first flight April 1 1992).

The heavier A340-300E is available in 271,000kg (597,450lb) and 275,000kg (606,275lb) max takeoff weights, their typical ranges with 295 passengers are 13,155km (7100nm) and 13,525km (7300nm) respectively. Power for these models is from 152.3kN (34,000lb) CFM56-5C4s (the most powerful CFM56s built). The first A340-300Es were delivered to Singapore Airlines in April 1996.

The 275,000kg (606,275lb) max takeoff weight A340-8000 is based on the 200 but has extra fuel in three additional rear cargo hold tanks and offers a 15,000km (8100nm) range with 232 three class passengers (hence the A340-8000 designation). It too is powered by CFM56-5C4s. One has been built for the Sultan of Brunei.

All versions are offered with underfloor passenger sleepers.


Captain In Command

[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A340-500/600 - Aircraft Information - Captain El's Favorite!
Long range widebody airliners

A340-500


A340-600

[Captain In Command]

The AIRBUS A380 - Aircraft Information
High capacity, long range, twindeck, widebody airliner




Powerplants
A380-800 - Four 311kN (70,000lb), initially derated to 302kN (68,000lb), later growing to 374kN (84,000lb) thrust Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or 363kN (81,500lb) thrust Engine Alliance (General Electric-Pratt & Whitney) GP-7200 turbofans.

Performance
A380-800 - Max cruising speed M 0.88. Long range cruising speed M 0.85. Range 14,800km (8,000nm). Service ceiling 43.000ft (13,100m).
A380-800F - Range 10,370km (5,600nm).

Weights
A380-800 - Operating empty 277,000kg (610,700lb), max takeoff 560,000kg (1,234,600lb).
A380-800F - Operating empty 252,000kg (555,600lb), max takeoff 590,000kg (1,300,700lb).

Dimensions
A380-800 - Wing span 79.8m (261ft 10in), length 72,75m (238ft 8in). Height 24,08 m (79ft)

Capacity
A380-800 - Flight crew of two. Standard seating for 555 passengers on two decks in a three class arrangement. Qantas plans to fit its aircraft with 523 seats (in three classes). A380 has 49% more floor area but only 35% more seats (in 555 seat configuration) than the 747-400, allowing room for passenger amenities such as bars, gymnasiums and duty free shops. Cargo capacity 38 LD3s or 13 pallets.

Production
149 firm orders (including 27 freighters) by January 2005. Airbus has forecast a market for approx 1235 airliners of 400 seats and above through to 2020. First deliveries in early 2006.


History
The 555 seat, double deck Airbus A380 is the most ambitious civil aircraft program yet. When it enters service in March 2006, the A380 will be the world's largest airliner, easily eclipsing Boeing's 747.

Airbus first began studies on a very large 500 seat airliner in the early 1990s. The European manufacturer saw developing a competitor and successor to the Boeing 747 as a strategic play to end Boeing's dominance of the very large airliner market and round out Airbus' product line-up.

Airbus began engineering development work on such an aircraft, then designated the A3XX, in June 1994. Airbus studied numerous design configurations for the A3XX and gave serious consideration to a single deck aircraft which would have seated 12 abreast and twin vertical tails. However Airbus settled upon a twin deck configuration, largely because of the significantly lighter structure required.

Key design aims include the ability to use existing airport infrastructure with little modifications to the airports, and direct operating costs per seat 15-20% less than those for the 747-400. With 49% more floor space and only 35% more seating than the previous largest aircraft, Airbus is ensuring wider seats and aisles for more passenger comfort. Using the most advanced technologies, the A380 is also designed to have 10-15% more range, lower fuel burn and emissions, and less noise.

The A380 features an advanced version of the Airbus common two crew cockpit, with pull-out keyboards for the pilots, extensive use of composite materials such as GLARE (an aluminum/glass fiber composite), and four 302 to 374kN (68,000 to 84,000lb) class Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance (General Electric/Pratt & Whitney) GP7200 turbofans now under development.

Several A380 models are planned: the basic aircraft is the 555 seat A380-800 (launch customer Emirates). The 590 ton MTOW 10,410km (5620nm) A380-800F freighter will be able to carry a 150 tonne payload and is due to enter service in 2008 (launch customer FedEx). Potential future models will include the shortened, 480 seat A380-700, and the stretched, 656 seat, A380-900.

On receipt of the required 50th launch order commitment, the Airbus A3XX was renamed A380 and officially launched on December 19, 2000. In early 2001 the general configuration design was frozen, and metal cutting for the first A380 component occurred on January 23, 2002, at Nantes in France. In 2002 more than 6000 people were working on A380 development.

On January 18, 2005, the first Airbus A380 was officially revealed in a lavish ceremony, attended by 5000 invited guests including the French, German, British and Spanish president and prime ministers, representing the countries that invested heavily in the 10-year, €10 billion+ ($13 billion+) aircraft program, and the CEOs of the 14 A380 customers, who had placed firm orders for 149 aircraft by then.

The out of sequence A380 designation was chosen as the "8" represents the cross-section of the twin decks. The first flight is scheduled for March 2005, and the entry into commercial service, with Singapore Airlines, is scheduled for March 2006.

Apart from the prime contractors in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain, components for the A380 airframe are also manufactured by industral partners in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. A380 final assembly is taking place in Toulouse, France, with interior fitments in Hamburg, Germany. Major A380 assemblies are transported to Toulouse by ship, barge and road.

On July 24, 2000, Emirates became the first customer making a firm order commitment, followed by Air France, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Virgin Atlantic. Together these companies completed the 50 orders needed to launch the programme.

Later, the following companies also ordered the A380: FedEx (the launch customer for the A380-800F freighter), Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways and UPS.

Four prototypes will be used in a 2200 hours flight test programme lasting 15 months.





Captain In Command