The attention from Airbus seems to be focused on one part number A55471500 for the rudder on all 4 aircraft types. This rudder part number is fitted to many (if not most) of the A300-600 and A310 fleet, but appears to be fitted to only certain earlier models of the A330 and A340.
I wonder if this part number is still current on new A300-600s, and why was it replaced on later production A330s and A340s? What is different about the rudders fitted to later A330s and A340s compared to this part number rudder? What design changes were made?
Safety Guy said:
Last I heard, that aircraft is going to be on the ground at VRA for several months. It needs a major rebuild in the rear end, so to speak, including a totally new tail and mounting assembly.
Does anyone know what other damage was done to this aircraft when the rudder came off?