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GIVMI55W
3rd Apr 2016, 21:00
Hi,

can somebody explain why the A319 has a greater range than the A320 and the A320 has a greater range than the A321?

A319 4500km
A320-200 4300km
A321-111 3500km
A321-211 2360km

They all have a tank capacity of 19100kg or 19000kg. Where is this huge difference coming from?

Thanks,

GIVMI55W

chimbu warrior
3rd Apr 2016, 22:35
Obviously it is school holidays again........

The reason is that the A319 is smaller and lighter than its larger stablemates, and therefore burns less fuel per hour. Likewise the A320 is about 12 tonnes lighter than the A321, and hence burns less fuel per hour than its larger sibling.

They all cruise at the same speed. Therefore, the less fuel you burn per hour, whilst traveling at the same speed, the longer you can stay aloft, and hence the further you can travel.

This is a simplification, but essentially how it works.

GIVMI55W
4th Apr 2016, 07:53
Hi,

thank you for answering this question in your school holidays ;)

Well, that might be one of the reasons, but why is the range for the 321-211 around 1200km greater than the range for the 321-111? Is that because of new engines? Also the range of the A318 seems to be smaller than the one for example for the 320? Is that because of aerodynamic disadvantages?

Thx

FlightDetent
4th Apr 2016, 16:59
A319 4500km
A320-200 4300km
...
A321-211 2360km Notwithsanding the above, these data do look akward. Without knowing what payload were they calculated for, impossible to check though.

GIVMI55W
4th Apr 2016, 17:14
Hi,

these numbers are for the Austrian fleet.
Austrian Airlines Group Flotte (http://www.austrianairlines.ag/AustrianAirlinesGroup/OurFleet/OurFleet.aspx?sc_lang=de)

Skyjob
4th Apr 2016, 18:08
Heavier aircraft, similar fuel cells, higher burn requirement, just a thought...
ps: I'm not a bus driver so may be incorrect in my guess.

pattern_is_full
4th Apr 2016, 19:24
A318s can have different engines (P+W6000 series) not used on the other models - might check to be sure the range listed is for the same engine (CFM65).

Some A318s are assigned artificially low MTOW limits (lower initial price, lower landing and ATC fees) - they may have tanks that hold 19000 kg, but never use full tanks, to stay below the MTOW. Some thus have a range as low as 1500 nm.

Cough
4th Apr 2016, 20:27
If my memory serves me right...

A321-111 has basic fuel capacity.
A321-211 has the addition of ACT's to enhance fuel capacity along with higher thrust engines to compensate for the extra weight.

wingdeagle
4th Apr 2016, 21:00
A321 now offers aircraft with 2 ACT's and 23300 kg total fuel capacity.

compressor stall
4th Apr 2016, 21:38
Look up the tcds. It has all the certificated fuel capicities and thrusts for all variants.

A quick Google will find it. Was updated in December 15 for the NEO engine. Might be another updated one since.

FlightDetent
5th Apr 2016, 06:43
these numbers are for the Austrian fleet.
Austrian Airlines Group Flotte (http://www.austrianairlines.ag/AustrianAirlinesGroup/OurFleet/OurFleet.aspx?sc_lang=de)

The must have just updated the figures recently, this is what I see today:

321-211: Max. Reichweite mit Beladung 3,500 km

Cough
5th Apr 2016, 07:39
Looking at the Austrian website, the OP has the figures for the 321-100 and -200 transposed. But the main difference between the twos far as Austrian is concerned is the MTOW, range full payload (200 pax/70T ZFW) on an A321-100 isn't going to allow more than around 13T (ish) T of fuel.

barit1
5th Apr 2016, 17:25
GIVMI55W: Have you never heard of the 747SP? It was a shortbody, lightweight 747 carrying more fuel and less payload. Used for long thin routes like transpacific. See:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747SP

Meikleour
6th Apr 2016, 11:01
747SP and what an ugly bu**er it was to!

The late XV105
6th Apr 2016, 11:12
(Thread drift)

747SP and what an ugly bu**er it was to!

Beauty is in the eye and all that but I rather like Fry's SP:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Fry's_Electronics_Boeing_747SP_Simon.jpg

Having a growth out of the side of the head (http://i.imgur.com/ZwMJ2mG.jpg) looks a little odd though! (Link to P&W test bed SP, not embedded picture as it exceeds the forum width limit)

compressor stall
6th Apr 2016, 11:42
or a hole in the side....

http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SOFIA-1.jpg

trident3A
6th Apr 2016, 16:02
The 747SP was a real looker in the old SA livery!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a151/pfoglar/030407/SAA_OC_Bandit2.jpg

ELondonPax
7th Apr 2016, 15:22
BA operate two A318s, and they routinely operate JFK direct to LCY.
That's over 5,500km.
Only 32 passengers though....

DaveReidUK
7th Apr 2016, 16:26
BA operate two A318s, and they routinely operate JFK direct to LCY.

Though not vice versa.