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Airbus A350

2014 MODERN AIRCRAFT

Airbus A350 History

The A350 is Airbus' latest entry into the competitive wide-body, long-haul market. The plane was intended as a direct competitor to the popular Boeing 777 and the newer Boeing 787 "Dreamliner," although it underperformed. Production of the early airframe began in 2010, with a maiden flight expected sometime in 2013.

Barring development delays, dedicated airlines will begin taking delivery of the product in 2014, with an estimated production of 592 units based on orders received to date (2013). So far, commitments have been received from 35 airlines around the world.

The A350 stems from the announcement of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner program. Airbus was slow to respond at first until customers began demanding a competing model that promised cost savings over the advanced 787.

This created a modified version of the A330 until enough changes were made to give the plane its own company name "A350". Airbus' reaction to Boeing's offer, however, failed to impress major customers and prompted Airbus to produce an entirely new design using the latest available technology.

This resulted in a fully revised and refined A350 concept that was finally approved, and the A350 program was significantly delayed.

The wing assemblies and fuselage of all A350 models will feature a 213-foot wingspan and carbon fiber reinforced polymer construction. Power is provided by 2 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which will be developed in two different forms to deliver 74,000 to 83,000 pounds of thrust or 97,000 pounds of thrust. Top speed is 587 mph and cruising is near 560 mph.

Depending on the model, the load range is from 5,000 nautical miles (A350-900F) to 10,300 nautical miles (A350-900R). All operational ceilings will reach approximately 43,000 feet.

Like other modern Airbus aircraft products, the A350 will feature an all-glass digital cockpit and fly-by-wire controls. The instrument panel is controlled by six LCD screens for the pilot and co-pilot.

Data systems will be fully upgraded as technology changes, which should be a cost-effective investment in the long run.