24 AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING
A NEW WAY OF
WORKING
Having focused on specific developments relevant to the Airbus A380, Aerospace
Manufacturing now provides an overview of the largest ever civil transport aircraft,
including its innovative technology, operational benefits and a new way of working
with industrial partners
T
he delivery of Airbus’ first A380 range, than that of today’s largest using advanced lightweight composite
– billed as the “flagship of the aircraft. materials – 22% carbon, glass or quartz
21st century” – is scheduled for Benefits in operation include faster fibre reinforced plastic and 3% GLARE
October of this year. Said to be the most airport turnaround times that will help (a glass fibre-aluminium laminate, which
advanced, spacious and efficient airliner to ease congestion by transporting is used for the first time on a civil
yet, the large civil transport aircraft has more people without additional aircraft airliner).
been designed in close collaboration with movements and significantly reduced For the first time, the centre wing-
major airlines, airports and airworthiness noise and emissions levels aim to help box, a crucial element of the primary
authorities. minimise its effects on the environment. structure connecting the wings to the
Combining the very latest technologies Its new-generation engines and excellent fuselage is primarily composite structure.
for materials, systems and industrial aerodynamic performance mean that Another first is the composite rear
processes, the A380 meets the latest and the A380 not only complies with today’s fuselage section that includes the rear
most stringent international certification noise limits, but is significantly quieter pressure bulkhead. As well as these
requirements. The Rolls-Royce Trent than today’s largest aircraft, producing composite applications, the A380 has
900 powered version of the aircraft only half as much noise on take-off and a significant proportion of advanced
received joint European Aviation Safety landing. metallic materials offering advantages
Agency (EASA) and US Federal Aviation However, the A380’s environmental such as ease of repair and maintenance.
Administration (FAA) Type Certification friendliness goes beyond noise reduction. Another weight-saving innovation
last December and the Engine Alliance Its unprecedented level of composites on the A380 is the use of a 5,000 psi
GP 7000 powered variant is on course and other lightweight materials reduces hydraulic system, considerably lighter
for certification at the end of 2007. its weight, helping to make it a highly and more efficient than the 3,000 psi
The A380 is able to carry over 40% fuel-efficient aircraft – burning 17% less system normally used on commercial
more passengers (up to 525 passengers in fuel per seat than today’s largest aircraft. aircraft. The greater pressure means
a typical three-class configuration) than Indeed, the A380 is the first long-haul lower hydraulic fluid volume, smaller
the Boeing 747-400 at representative aircraft to consume less than three litres pipes and smaller hydraulic components.
airline standards and its efficiency and of fuel per passenger over 100km, a rate Also for the first time, the flight
advanced technologies result in 20% comparable to an average economical car. control system uses two hydraulic and
lower seat-mile costs, and 15% greater Some 25% of the aircraft is built two electrical circuits, rather than the
AM_jul07_p24-25_airliners.indd 24 28/6/07 15:17:13
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