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Old 3rd Aug 2016, 00:25
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BuzzBox
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
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That's correct Snakecharma, unlike other Airbus widebodies, the A350 doesn't use a trim tank to control the CG during flight. It uses a variable camber system known as the 'Flap Cruise Deployment Function' to control the wing's centre of lift. The system achieves the same drag reduction (if not better) as the trim tank system, by reducing the down force produced by the tail and improving the drag characteristics of the wing. That is achieved by deploying the flaps a small amount during the later part of the climb and during cruise. The inner flaps can deploy up to 1.5° down, while the outer flaps can deploy up to 2° up or down. The deployment is controlled automatically by the flight control computers and there are no indications to the crew.

It sounds complex, but most of the complexity is in the flight control computer software. The flap system itself is actually a more simple design that, according to Airbus, is about 400kg lighter than older systems. The lack of a trim tank and associated plumbing provides a significant additional weight advantage.

But I digress...
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