NWSRG:

A simplified answer is the A380 has a big wing which can create a lot of lift, so, it doesn't need a lot of thrust. Also, Airbus planes tend to have better low-speed performance than an equivalent Boeing airplane. Boeing planes tend to have better high-speed performance. That's why Boeing planes can cruise faster than an equivalent Airbus plane, yet they don't burn more fuel.

The A340-300 has a relatively small wing (highly loaded) and relatively low thrust. (You can compare the wing loadings, MTOW/wing area, of different aircraft, then you'll know what I mean.) That's why it has been the center of a lot of slow-climb jokes. Nevertheless, it was adequately designed for its intent.

A380 at Filton?
 

Hi All,

Dont know if this is the right place for this message, but I heard the A380 is coming to spend a couple of days in Filton in October, can anyone confirm or shed some further light on this?

Thanks!

Dan.

If the 380 lands at EGNR the wings might be floating down the River Dee for the second time, or become a permanent monument of European technology at the traffic island at the end of 23. EGTG sounds more plausable.

Just going to say! Thats like having an AN225 land at EGGD! <G>.

Dan.

Visits to other countries are a bit slow.
However sincr the A380 visited Lourdes on
10 Aug LDE LFBT all seems to be a lot better.Another
miracle!

So what actually is the answer to ATCO1987's question, if of course it is possible to give an exact answer as things to seem to change a bit!?

Thanks
aa

whos gunna go watch it?

Damn right I'll be there! If I have work someone make sure it lands around midday <G>, so I'll be finished in time to see it! Dream on...:)

Dan.

Me too, so where is a good place to watch it, when it happens?

aa

Best place to watch? Surely that would be in the traffic jam just off the end of it (sorry, M5!) in our seemingly random 40mph limit?

I used to have the ideal place to watch movements at Filton, my old desk in the upper portakabin at the back of 07L, but I guess the top floor of 07S would be better these days...

For those not 'fortunate' enough to work on the site: the last time something new came in (A340-600, I think it was) I was waiting for the number 75 bus just outside Filton College on the A38, where the footbridge isn't now. That's as good a place as any assuming that it approaches from England and not the Welsh end!

VnV...

Surely one of the News channels will cover this ?

The rollout was covered by most of them.

Can anyone confirm ?

07L? Filton is 27/09, where did 07L come from?

Dan.

Aha,

sorry, should have been clearer, for the benefit on non-AUK (Airbus UK) people '07L' refers to one of the office buildings not a runway ! It's the one on the bottom corner, near to the A38 and railway which enables inmates to see pretty well all of the airfield.


VnV...

A388...A346....slight size difference there! How about apron space too aswell as strength?

Dan.

Boss,

At Airshow time, Farnborough can wind back the displaced thresholds to the physical threshold, as there are no precision approaches during this period. The physical runway length is 2400m.

I'm sure the larger visitors use this facility. Last years show saw the first ever 747 movements (believe it or not) at Farnborough.

ok....fair enough!

I just saw a 747 land at Exeter the other day, and the runways are of similar dimensions.

I still believe that an empty 380 can operate from Hawarden.

Boss:*

Good A380 Info
 

Just spent about an hour reading one of the best articles on the A380 I've seen so far. Hope you find it interesting :D


Good A380 article here

Cut away drawing

A380 plans to visit SIN/SYD/BNE in November
 

From today's Australian....

A380 plans quick visit in November
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
September 16, 2005

QANTAS and Airbus are optimistic one of the new A380 superjumbos will visit Australia in November.

An Airbus source confirmed yesterday planning had begun for the double-decker aircraft to visit Singapore, Sydney and Brisbane. While the trip was still subject to final approval, the source said the French manufacturer was keen to show off its new plane.

Qantas has ordered 12 of the aircraft, which can carry up to 555 people in three classes and more than 800 in an all-economy configuration, and wants one to visit Brisbane as part of its 85th birthday celebrations on November 16.

The flying kangaroo's request gained significant leverage after manufacturing problems that delayed deliveries of its first planes by six months.

Sydney and Singapore are among the cities destined to see the first commercial A380 services. Singapore Airlines will start using the A380 on the kangaroo route to London at the end of next year. The plane visiting Australia would be a test aircraft, the source said, without the luxurious fit-outs airlines are promising in the commercial versions.

However, it would give Australians their first look at the giant plane and a still rare opportunity to see it in flight.

Brisbane Airport's Jim Carden said the airport's runway could handle the plane, but it would have to get dispensation from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority because the A380's 80m wingspan was wider than its taxiways.

Mr Carden said the airport expected interest in the A380 to be high enough to warrant building grandstands.

Sydney Airport also confirmed yesterday that it would be ready to handle the giant plane by November.

Airlines flying the A380 are promising a new era in comfort and facilities.

Qantas will fly the A380 with about 500 passengers in three classes, Emirates with 489 and Singapore Airlines with fewer than 480.

Qantas passengers in all classes will get special lounge areas as well as more personal space, video on demand, internet access and bigger screens.

Why the A340?
 

What was the idea with the 4-engined A340 ? Given that there are twin engines jets with ETOPS flying the same routes ?