Airbus takes to the air

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 27 Apr 2005 9:58

A key milestones in the Airbus A380 programme took place today (27 April) when the world’s first full-length twin-deck aircraft, bristling with electronic monitoring equipment took to the air over France for the first time.

Airbus, which is a multi-national EADS joint company with BAE Systems is a triumph of multi-national European co-operation, and the company that makes it has become the market leader of the civil aviation industry. It is manufactured at 16 sites across the UK, France, Germany and Spain.

The 555-seat super-jumbo passenger aircraft has a range of up to 15,000km, allowing it to fly non-stop between Europe and Asia, while the three-deck long-range freighter version, the A380F, will be able to carry up to 152 tonnes of cargo on standard pallets over distances of up to 10,400km. It is claimed to be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly airliner ever built. First passenger operations are scheduled to begin in 2006 when the A380 is due to enter service. In addition, the first A380F, the freighter version of the aircraft, is expected to begin operations in 2008.

Airbus’ UK factory at Broughton in north Wales is responsible for the complex construction of the aircraft’s wings and there is a design facility at Filton near Bristol.

Four hundred manufacturing firms across the UK are set to reap the rewards for their part in helping deliver the A380. Some other companies across the UK involved in the construction of the Airbus A380 include:

* Rolls-Royce in Derby, the Trent 900 is the lead engine development programme on the A380.

* Dunlop Aerospace in Coventry who helped develop the wheels and the brake systems;

* Goodrich Actuation Systems in Wolverhampton who designed and manufactured some of the cutting edge flight control systems on the aircraft.

* AS&T, of Newcastle, who worked on the leading edge and outer rear spar of the wing.

* Harkers, of Stockton, who supplied a wing component - gear rib 6, linking it to the landing gear.

* SPS Aerostructures in Mansfield and Annesley and Leicester who supplied ribs and rib details, pylon brackets and fasteners.

* Airbus UK in Filton who designed and developed the wings

* Cronite Alkast Ltd in Basnstaple who worked on fuel castings

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