A380 Question.

[Mr.Buzzy]

Hi clever people!
Can someone please tell me what the vertical stripe is aft of the wing on the wing/body fairing on the A380? It appears to be unpainted metal from a distance.
I have seen it on aircraft from four different carriers now.
Regards.

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[Spanner Turner]

In simple terms it's an "expansion joint/strip".
Just like the ones you see/drive over on highway bridge overpasses.

The fuselage is made of aluminium.
Bolted to and below the fuse, is the structure/skeleton that exists to support all the lower belly fairing area & the fairings themselves and this is made from titanium(weight saving).

They have different expansion rates and due to the sheer size an expansion joint is required to prevent buckling.

:ok:
.

[Mr.Buzzy]

Well I'll be darned!

Many thanks to you kind sir. I've heard everything from lightning strips, static devices, towing guide markings etc etc!

All clear now thanks to you Spanner Turner:ok:

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