LAF (load alliviation function)
Its coming back for increased TOGW.
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Airbus has started formally offering
A320 customers a modification to increase the type's maximum take-off weight, available through a software upgrade to its flight-control system.
The airframer says the upgrade raises the MTOW to 78t, an increase of about 1t, providing around 150nm (278km) additional range.
Airbus is expecting
International Aero Engines V2500-powered versions to be certified this month, and
CFM International CFM56 variants next March.
The modification takes advantage of the
A320's load-alleviation system, software which uses control surfaces of the wings - the ailerons and outer spoilers - to relieve structural loads during manoeuvring and gust turbulence.
While aspects of the load-alleviation function were originally introduced for a specific certification purpose, these subsequently became redundant. The software was removed, although the mechanical systems in the wing remained in place.
But Airbus has concluded that, with new software, it can use the load-alleviation system to increase the A320's payload-range capability