A340-500/600. The flagship of today

Citation

(1999), "A340-500/600. The flagship of today", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771baf.006

A340-500/600. The flagship of today

A340-500/600: the flagship of today

Keywords Airbus Industrie, Aircraft, Engines

The A340-500 and A340-600 have reached development landmarks that make these "paper" airplanes a reality, including the cutting of first metal and design of a Rolls-Royce engine test programme.

The A340-500 is a 313-seat aircraft with a range of 15,750km/8,500nm ­ complemented by its sister aircraft, the larger 380-seat A340-600 with 13,900km/7,500nm range. These two aircraft are a strong sign of Airbus Industrie's commitment to ensure well into the future its position as one of the world's major aircraft manufacturers.

Both aircraft are deliberately derived from the well proven and highly successful fuselage and wing of the A340-300. Respecting the Airbus Industrie philosophy of maximum engineering and operational commonality, these aircraft provide even greater mission versatility for the Airbus Industrie family of aircraft. Engineering and training costs are minimised by the ability of engineers and pilots to work on all Airbus Industrie types with a minimum of additional training, and the principle is maintained with the A340-500 and A340-600.

Intended to compete in the high-capacity, ultra-long haul end of the aircraft market, the A340-500/600 programme has so far successfully met all the engineering and commercial targets proposed for the project. The programme, which was launched with an initial investment of US$2.5 billion, has commitments from nine customers and provided a strong launch base for the aircraft, which currently do not have solid competition in their category.

Since its launch in December 1997, the programme has moved steadily forward towards the projected first airline delivery in early 2002. Although customer input continues, the main design lines of the aircraft have been substantially frozen. Minor inputs for systems and structural design are expected to continue but the overall project took a major advance when the first metal for the wing center section was cut in July. This marks the beginning of a two-year long process to create and assemble the first A340-600 flight test aircraft and refine the industrial procedures required to bring the aircraft into full-scale production.

Engine design is also proceeding on schedule. The first engine run of the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engine is scheduled for Spring 1999 and an agreement being reached with Rolls-Royce to conduct flight tests with the engine mounted on an inboard pylon aboard an Airbus Industrie A340-300 flight test aircraft.

High and low speed windtunnel and performance tests have largely been completed, with better than expected results. Wing and nacelle design have been frozen although some additional minor adjustments are expected on high lift devices. At this stage, indications are that range and seat-mile cost targets will be met, and possibly exceeded.

Production rates for the programme have also been determined, with an adapted A330/A340 assembly line, capable of handling the A340-500/600, to be created in Toulouse. This line will also be capable of producing A340-300 and A340-200 aircraft. The major differences in the lines will occur in two places, where the wing and fuselage are mated and the where the forward and aft fuselage are joined to the centre wing/fuselage assembly. Maximum production rates of up to four aircraft per month are expected to be reached in 2004.

Customer Focus Groups continue to meet on a regular basis, and their input is reflected throughout the design of the aircraft. Input from these groups has been consolidated in ground-breaking designs for cabin amenities aboard the A340-500/600 by using the underfloor cargo space to offer innovations such as beds, lavatories and even lounge or crew rest areas. These extras will represent attractive developments from the versions already available on the A340 family.

The A340-500/600 development programme moved into a phase of consolidation as final specifications on all cabin, systems, aerodynamic and structural elements were frozen towards the end of 1998. The programme will pick up speed again in 1999 as the first engine runs were made and first flight of an A340-600 will take place in 2001, followed about five months later by an A340-500.

Certification and entry into service of the two aircraft are expected early in 2002. The first A340-600 will be delivered to Virgin Atlantic and the first A340-500 will be delivered to Air Canada about five months later.