320 vs 321 MTOW
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 645
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From: Canada
320 vs 321 MTOW
Why can the A321 carry 16T more than the 320 given that they have the same wing? I'm sure there's a very logical and sound reason but I'd like to know what specifically allows for this increase in the T/O weight?
Looking at the 321 the big differences are:
1. Double Slotted Flaps
2. Length (different weight distribution)
3. Slightly more powerful engines
There's nothing else I can really think of. L/G?
I'm asking this because with the new sharklets Airbus is touting an increase of MTOW for 320 to 80T.
Looking at the 321 the big differences are:
1. Double Slotted Flaps
2. Length (different weight distribution)
3. Slightly more powerful engines
There's nothing else I can really think of. L/G?
I'm asking this because with the new sharklets Airbus is touting an increase of MTOW for 320 to 80T.
Last edited by Airmann; 4th March 2013 at 12:56.
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 991
Likes: 128
From: big green wheely bin
Ok, so why not slap on the double slotted flaps and larger tires on the 320 and offer a HGW version?
The question I would pose is why would you want to? Where would you put the extra Fuel/Bags/Pax?
As for the differences between the 320 and 21. the landing gear is beefed up, the tyres are bigger the, engines are more powerful, and it has what airbus call a "high lift pack" for the wing. double slotted flaps in other words. Also, while the aero foil section of the wing is the same with the flap retracted, the internal structure is not. The 321 has no outer fuel tanks, for instance.
As for performance, it struggles. Although due to the higher wing loading it is more stable on approach, But your approach speeds are in the high 140kts, mid 150kts with flap 3.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 782
Likes: 21
From: netherlands
A320 - A321 is a big bump up in every respect.
The difference is 7 meters / 42 passengers.
Boeing benefited the 737-800 and -900 are both in-between the A320 and A321 capacity wise.
IMO Airbus lacks a real 200 seater.
The difference is 7 meters / 42 passengers.
Boeing benefited the 737-800 and -900 are both in-between the A320 and A321 capacity wise.
IMO Airbus lacks a real 200 seater.
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 78
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From: Seattle, WA
@toffeez
The Rejected Take-Off test is performed at MDTOW. For example, the A380-800 RTO was performed at a weight of 575 tons, even though the highest MTOW (WV002) at the time was 569t. Airbus has subsequently issued WV006 (573t) and WV008 (575t). If Airbus wishes to offer a higher MTOW than 575t, they will need to add the four additional main wheel braking units and perform a new RTO test.
Tire size and loading determines how much weight the undercarriage can support. Tire size and loading also affect pavement loading which determines how much weight an airport facility (runway, taxiway, ramp, bridge, gate, etc.) can support. When the 777-300ER first started operations at Paris-Orly, the pavement loading was so high that it damaged parts of the airport and additional structural reinforcement was necessary.
???
Tire size and loading determines how much weight the undercarriage can support. Tire size and loading also affect pavement loading which determines how much weight an airport facility (runway, taxiway, ramp, bridge, gate, etc.) can support. When the 777-300ER first started operations at Paris-Orly, the pavement loading was so high that it damaged parts of the airport and additional structural reinforcement was necessary.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 502
Likes: 17
From: Dunnunda
The A320 wing is over engineered. Originally it had the LAF function and outer wing tanks to reduce moment bending. After 20+ years of experience Airbus have realized the wing doesn't need these added features though I hear the LAF will be enabled again for the 78t MTOW version.
