A380 stress tests uncover unexpected problems
FRANKFURT, Feb 19 (Reuters) -
Engineers at European planemaker Airbus are battling problems in stress tests for the new A380 superjumbo, Germany's Der Spiegel magazine reported on Saturday.
There were "unexpected and significant difficulties" with the rear
end of the plane when tests were carried out on it, the magazine
quoted an insider as saying.
The landing gear is also causing engineers concern, the magazine
reported, adding that the A380's first flight in March could be
delayed by weeks.
An Airbus spokesman said the stress tests were heading in the right
direction within the company's expectations, Der Spiegel said.
Airbus could not immediately be reached for comment.
The A380, which is the world's biggest civil aircraft and was
formally unveiled in Toulouse, in France, last month, can seat
between 555 and 850 passengers and has a list price of between $200million and $250 million.