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Airbus A310

History of the Airbus A310

The Airbus A310-300 was produced as a budget replacement for the base A300 family (detailed elsewhere on this website) while Airbus was still waiting for formal orders from potential customers. This preliminary design features a shortened fuselage and some cost-saving features in terms of maintenance and repair not to mention a lighter weight, which improves distance and capacity stats.

The A310 series entered production in 1982 and was formally deployed in various forms in 1983. Like the A300 series, the A310 is available in modified cargo and fully equipped cargo models to increase market appeal.

The A310-300 model is a longer range variant with wingtip fences that reduce drag. Other aerodynamic features are also incorporated, allowing the system to enjoy a huge working range as a whole.

The A310 is used in a variety of ways by many companies from many countries around the world, adding to Airbus' successful export product line.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1983

Status:

active, on duty

Staff:

Production

[255 units]:

Airbus Industries - France

Roles

- Commercial Market

Dimensions

Length:

153.08 ft (46.66 m)

Width:

144.03 ft (43.9 m)

Height:

51.84 ft (15.8 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

80,790 kg

MTOW:

361,556 lb (163,999 kg)

(Difference: +183.444lb)

Performance

2 x Pratt & Whitney PW4152 52,000 lb thrust turbojet or General Electric CF6-80C2A2 52,000 lb thrust turbojet.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

560 mph (902 km/h; 487 knots)

Service Limit:

42,651 ft (13,000 m; 8.08 mi)

Maximum range:

5,965 miles (9,600 km; 5,184 nautical miles)

Armor

No.

Changes

A310 - Base Series Name

A310-100 - Recommended short-haul aircraft

A310-200 - Proposed mid-range model

A310-300 Base model designation for passenger transport; based on the A310-200 model; equipped with integrated drag reducing wingtip fences; increased range; elevator water tanks.

A310-300C - A conversion model for the A300 base series, indicated by a "C" in the name.

A310-300F - A complete freighter model of the A300 base series, denoted by an "F" in the name.