A340 GE Engine test aircraft
 

Hi,

Just wondering if anybody knows where the centre wheels on the main gear are of this A340-300 engine test aircraft?

Here is an example - http://www.airliners.net/open.file/737334/L/

(Normal A340-300 - http://www.airliners.net/open.file/732000/L/)

C152pilot

To my limited knowledge, it's not absolutly required. It depends on the A/C weight.

regards

A340-200/300 can be dispatched under MMEL/Dispatch Deviations Manual with centre gear deactivated in retracted position with suitable weight restrictions (MTOW reduced to around 238T I think).

Is it me, or does it look like the picture has been 'doctored'?

What do you mean GE !!! Look at the pic / work out the A340 series...

It's a test aircraft for the RR Trent for the -500/-600. You can even see the RR logo...

Centre gear not used when Gear blown down. If it's stuck up, as said above, fine, but limiting weights. Just becomes like an A330 gear wise.

May well be for testing it was even removed, or long term disabled...

For this test the port MLG oleo was deliberately overpressurised to make it longer than normal, to ensure that the test engine would not scrape on the ground. This meant that even if the CLG had been extended it would have been taking virtually no load. Plus, as others have stated, the a/c weight was below the limit at which the CLG is required. Consequently it was locked up for the duration of the test.

Supercab,

Interesting info.. It would be nice to hear some other inputs regarding mainly the handling characteristics of this plane, with so much weight on one side. Aileron trim perhaps?

RS

I remember reading an article (Flight International I belive) about GE tests on the 90-115B when they used a 747, if my memory serves correctly, they used weights and fuel to balance out the weight of the test engine and reduced thrust (on the 90-115) to maintain control. Also the test pilot said that take-off was critical, as an engine failure on the non-test side would cause a huge yawing moment away from the test engine!

:ok:

NoD Not being pedantic,it's a Trent 900 which is being used on the A380.All testing passed with no probs.