A350 successfully handles ‘Maximum Energy Rejected Take-Off’ test

Airbus announced (22-Jul-2014) that the A350 MSN001 test aircraft successfully performed a 'Maximum Energy Rejected Take-Off' (MERTO) test on 19-Jul-2014. MERTO, which follows on from the previous 'High Energy Rejected Take-Off' (HERTO) preparation test conducted by MSN001 two months ago, is a part of the mandatory series of tests for certification. This latest test is to confirm the braking system's ability to safely stop the aircraft following a rejected take-off at high speed and high weight - using a set of worn-out brakes. As these brakes absorb the kinetic energy of the aircraft, they glow bright orange and reach a temperature of around 1,400 degrees centigrade by the time the aircraft has safely come to a standstill, whereupon the tires are deflated by special fuses. According to certification requirements, the aircraft then has to stay put for five minutes unassisted, after which firefighters are allowed to spray the wheels and brakes to cool them. MERTO is the A350 XWB programme's final major test before MSN005, one of two cabin-equipped development aircraft, embarks on 'Route Proving' in Jul-2014. [more - original PR]