vapilot2004
26th Jan 2007, 07:26
From day one of the launch announcement for the A350XWB, I felt strongly that the latest iteration using CFRP panel on metal frame construction was a poor choice with regards to weight and maintenance considerations and manufacturing costs. Many of the advantages gained by using composites would have been zeroed out with the previously announced CFRP panel scheme.
It appears that Airbus may now see fit to follow Boeing's lead on the basic structure of the fuselage for the A350 giving the design a much better chance of being a true competitor.
Now, if they can find their way to narrow the target and leave the 777 out of the XWBs performance goals, making for a lighter more 787-like machine, I believe there will be another good aeroplane to add to the worldwide stables. :ok:
Fresh news from the inbox:
Airbus moving toward solid composite fuselage on A350 XWB
Friday January 26, 2007
Airbus appears to be moving toward adopting a solid composite barrel for its A350 XWB after receiving mixed feedback on its plan to use composite panels on an aluminum frame.
According to industry analysts, trade studies are underway in Toulouse for the change. Last fall ATWOnline revealed that Airbus was swapping to a composite structure (ATWOnline, Oct. 25, 2006) and that the aircraft's EIS would slip to 2014.
The latest mooted change would not surprise Emirates President Tim Clark, who told this website yesterday that he feels the future lies in a 787-style structure. "That is the way [the industry] is going to go," he said.
Clark said the A350 XWB remains a bit of a mystery, adding that he doesn't want to discuss the aircraft with Airbus until it freezes the design. The 2014 timeline is a concern, although he said he does not want the manufacturer to rush the design, and he wants to see two engine-makers commit to the program, which "presents a problem for GE for the A350-1000." He added, "That said, we will still look at the A350 and what guarantees on performance and delivery Airbus are offering."
Like others, Clark has reservations about Airbus's ability to tackle both the 787-8 and the 777-300ER with one aircraft family. "If they succeed, Eureka. If not, well, it's a gamble."
Emirates would like to be in detailed discussions on the A350-1000 and the 787-10 by mid-year for an order for 60-100 aircraft. The order will not be split. On the 787-10 Clark would like to see more range, which Boeing is working to deliver.
It appears that Airbus may now see fit to follow Boeing's lead on the basic structure of the fuselage for the A350 giving the design a much better chance of being a true competitor.
Now, if they can find their way to narrow the target and leave the 777 out of the XWBs performance goals, making for a lighter more 787-like machine, I believe there will be another good aeroplane to add to the worldwide stables. :ok:
Fresh news from the inbox:
Airbus moving toward solid composite fuselage on A350 XWB
Friday January 26, 2007
Airbus appears to be moving toward adopting a solid composite barrel for its A350 XWB after receiving mixed feedback on its plan to use composite panels on an aluminum frame.
According to industry analysts, trade studies are underway in Toulouse for the change. Last fall ATWOnline revealed that Airbus was swapping to a composite structure (ATWOnline, Oct. 25, 2006) and that the aircraft's EIS would slip to 2014.
The latest mooted change would not surprise Emirates President Tim Clark, who told this website yesterday that he feels the future lies in a 787-style structure. "That is the way [the industry] is going to go," he said.
Clark said the A350 XWB remains a bit of a mystery, adding that he doesn't want to discuss the aircraft with Airbus until it freezes the design. The 2014 timeline is a concern, although he said he does not want the manufacturer to rush the design, and he wants to see two engine-makers commit to the program, which "presents a problem for GE for the A350-1000." He added, "That said, we will still look at the A350 and what guarantees on performance and delivery Airbus are offering."
Like others, Clark has reservations about Airbus's ability to tackle both the 787-8 and the 777-300ER with one aircraft family. "If they succeed, Eureka. If not, well, it's a gamble."
Emirates would like to be in detailed discussions on the A350-1000 and the 787-10 by mid-year for an order for 60-100 aircraft. The order will not be split. On the 787-10 Clark would like to see more range, which Boeing is working to deliver.