AIRLINERS I AIRBUS A380
traditional three or four hydraulic-only
circuits. Therefore, in addition to the
hydraulics system, the aircraft is fully
controllable, using electrical power from
one of seven sources – a considerable
safety enhancement.
The A380 also features an advanced
common cockpit but with larger,
interactive displays and on-board
information system as well as integrated
modular avionics linked by a high
capacity ethernet datalink. The specially
Toulouse, France | A380 final assembly line, Hamburg, Germany | A380 fuselage section
developed variable frequency electrical
generators are less complex, lighter, keen to contribute to the A380 and were unprecedented operating benefits to
and more reliable than conventional eager to meet the challenge of being the customer.
fixed-frequency generators that have to part of this pioneering programme – not The Airbus approach to A380
incorporate a constant speed drive unit. least because it is considered to set new procurement has fostered healthy
Furthermore, passengers on the A380 standards for the industry for many years competition among all suppliers,
will benefit from the latest in-flight to come – by developing and producing leading them to deliver the best for the
entertainment systems (IFE) from two components and equipment for the A380 and other Airbus programmes.
leading manufacturers, who are offering aircraft. Equally, new suppliers remain
more powerful third-generation systems Airbus holds more than 200 major challenged to stay competitive through
to exploit the A380’s innovative high contracts with some 120 different the entire life cycle of the A380
capacity fibre optic distribution network. suppliers and industrial partners for work programme.
Several innovative manufacturing on the A380. They have collaborated on To ensure the smoothest, highest-
techniques are also employed on the developing and implementing innovative quality and most competitive supply
A380, including laser beam welding technologies, working practices and chain possible, Airbus and its suppliers
(first used on the A318) on two sections design solutions to ensure the success have streamlined communication and
which eliminates the need for rivets, of the A380 programme. They have collaboration, speeding up the process
thus improving corrosion resistance, and been chosen after a thorough selection at every stage from tender to delivery.
reducing aerodynamic drag. process and include many manufacturers Specially-designed software tools
The A380 gave Airbus the opportunity within Europe, the USA, Japan and have helped facilitate this new way of
to develop a new way of working with its China. Having such a strong global working together.
existing and new suppliers and industrial supply and industrial partnership base In conclusion, in offering all the
partners by allowing them to be much has enabled Airbus to create an aircraft advantages of a completely new design,
more closely involved in the development which draws on the most advanced the A380 extends the benefits of
and long-term future of the programme. technologies and materials ever used on Airbus’ operational commonality to
Worldwide companies and suppliers were a commercial aircraft, essential to deliver the very large aircraft sector and is
said to provide the most socially and
economically responsible solution
to the growing demand for air travel
and the resultant increase in airport
congestion. Consequently, substantial
development potential exists and
future variants of the A380, including
a high capacity freighter version, will
become available as and when the
market requires. For the supply chain
and Airbus industrial partners this,
of course, also represents yet more
opportunities. ❙
Getafe, Spain | A380 tailcone, Broughton, UK | A380 wing
www.airbus.com
AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING 25
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