Older vs Newer A320
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From: S51 30 W060 10.
Older vs Newer A320
Hi folks,
Does anyone know what the main differences between the older 320 models (s/n400) and the newer (s/n1900) are? Are there any fuel consumption improvements? Are there any FMGC big differences?
I am all eyes.
Thnank you and Regards,
SW.
Does anyone know what the main differences between the older 320 models (s/n400) and the newer (s/n1900) are? Are there any fuel consumption improvements? Are there any FMGC big differences?
I am all eyes.
Thnank you and Regards,
SW.
PPRuNe supporter
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From: Planet Earth
Different MCDU's, can only depress one PB at a time on the FCU, CRT's replaced with LCD's, no more LAF, hinge for the fuel panel on the front now, new improved RAT. I'm sure I missed a few.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Blighty (Nth. Downs)
Spring 1988...
Quote from sudden Winds:
Does anyone know what the main differences between the older 320 models (s/n400).... [Unquote]
Had a double-take on this. Most of our MSNs were 1 or 2 digits.
And they said it would never sell...
Changing to Yellow for NWS sounds a strange idea, Office Pest. The Yellow is surely too busy already to take the whole L/G from Green, so are you saying that the NWS could use a different System from the L/G itself?
Dream Land, is the "new improved RAT" in the same location, and can it still stall if the aeroplane is in sideslip with the L/G down?
Does anyone know what the main differences between the older 320 models (s/n400).... [Unquote]
Had a double-take on this. Most of our MSNs were 1 or 2 digits.
And they said it would never sell...
Changing to Yellow for NWS sounds a strange idea, Office Pest. The Yellow is surely too busy already to take the whole L/G from Green, so are you saying that the NWS could use a different System from the L/G itself?
Dream Land, is the "new improved RAT" in the same location, and can it still stall if the aeroplane is in sideslip with the L/G down?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 829
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From: taking up the hold
Dream Land, is the "new improved RAT" in the same location, and can it still stall if the aeroplane is in sideslip with the L/G down?
No it doesn't stall & you don't have those yellow collared circuit breakers to pull when on Battery power onnly.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 113
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From: UK
Probably the biggest difference you will notice on a day to day basis is FMS1 on the older aircraft and FMS2 on the newer aircraft.
FMS2 has many improvements. It's much easier entering in the initial route as you just have to enter the airways and it will figure out the waypoints.
The way the system works out the optimum level is much improved as you can enter in a range of cruise winds for various levels instead of just a single level.
Another nice improvement, is that you can go direct to a waypoint on a specific radial. Particularly useful if you a doing a visual approach from a fair distance out, as you can use it to draw an extended centerline.
The bigger LCD screens are much nicer to work with than the old CRT ones. And the flight deck noise is considerably reduced in newer aircraft.
Older A/C have a cluster of separate 'clockwork' standby instruments while the newer ones have a single PFD style standby instrument.
In the older aircraft the RAT stalls at 140kts and disconnects with gear down leaving you on battery power only (!)
FMS2 has many improvements. It's much easier entering in the initial route as you just have to enter the airways and it will figure out the waypoints.
The way the system works out the optimum level is much improved as you can enter in a range of cruise winds for various levels instead of just a single level.
Another nice improvement, is that you can go direct to a waypoint on a specific radial. Particularly useful if you a doing a visual approach from a fair distance out, as you can use it to draw an extended centerline.
The bigger LCD screens are much nicer to work with than the old CRT ones. And the flight deck noise is considerably reduced in newer aircraft.
Older A/C have a cluster of separate 'clockwork' standby instruments while the newer ones have a single PFD style standby instrument.
In the older aircraft the RAT stalls at 140kts and disconnects with gear down leaving you on battery power only (!)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,173
Likes: 51
From: Blighty (Nth. Downs)
RAT
Quote from finncapt:
Ah Chris - What do you do for wallpaper now you can't save the swords!!! [Unquote]
Huh... Have I been rumbled? [How many forests did we destroy?]
Quote from Tail-take-off (re new RAT):
No it doesn't stall & you don't have those yellow collared circuit breakers to pull when on Battery power only.
[Unquote]
That problem necessitated a major redesign of the Electrical System, and FBW-degradation logic, while we and AF were on the first A320 conversion courses at Toulouse in Jan 1988. Does the new RAT design enable:
1) RAT to provide reliable hydraulic and electrical power until touchdown?
2) Alternate Law to continue after L/G extension?
And is it still located in the L/H belly-fairing, behind and ouboard of the No. 1 Pack?
Ah Chris - What do you do for wallpaper now you can't save the swords!!! [Unquote]
Huh... Have I been rumbled? [How many forests did we destroy?]
Quote from Tail-take-off (re new RAT):
No it doesn't stall & you don't have those yellow collared circuit breakers to pull when on Battery power only.
[Unquote]
That problem necessitated a major redesign of the Electrical System, and FBW-degradation logic, while we and AF were on the first A320 conversion courses at Toulouse in Jan 1988. Does the new RAT design enable:
1) RAT to provide reliable hydraulic and electrical power until touchdown?
2) Alternate Law to continue after L/G extension?
And is it still located in the L/H belly-fairing, behind and ouboard of the No. 1 Pack?
