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Airbus A350 XWB in Bolivia for high altitude flight testing – Bangalore Aviation

Airbus A350 XWB in Bolivia for high altitude flight testing

January 11, 2014 Comments Off on Airbus A350 XWB in Bolivia for high altitude flight testing 379 Views

The A350 XWB development aircraft, MSN3, is in Bolivia for a series of flight tests at the high altitude airfields of Cochabamba and the capital La Paz. Cochabamba is approximately 8,300 feet above sea level, and at 13,300 La Paz is one of the highest airports in the world.

Operations at such high altitude airfields are particularly demanding on aircraft engines, Auxiliary Power Units (APU) and systems. The aim of these trials is to demonstrate and validate the full functionality of engines, systems, materials as well as to assess the overall aircraft behaviour under these extreme conditions. A number of take-offs with all engines operating and with simulated engine failures are being performed at each of the airfields to collect data on engine operating characteristics and validate the aircraft take-off performance. The autopilot behaviour will also be evaluated during automatic landings and go-arounds.

Airbus A350 in Bolivia for high altitude testing
Airbus A350 in Bolivia for high altitude testing
Till date the A350s in the Airbus test fleet have performed over 200 flights and 800 hours of testing. The test campaign call for about 2,500 flight testing hours with a total fleet of five aircraft. Flight testing is needed for the certification of the A350-900 by the European EASA and US FAA airworthiness authorities, prior to entry into service in Q4 2014.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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