Airbus conducts first A350-1000 test flight

Airbus announced (24-Nov-2016) the first of three A350-1000 development aircraft (MSN 059) conducted its first test flight. The aircraft is the first of three test aircraft for A350-1000 certificatation.

• MSN 059 will perform flight envelope, handling qualities, loads and braking tests;
• The second aircraft to fly, MSN 071, will also be tasked with performance evaluation, which will encompass braking, powerplant, systems and autopilot;
• The third and final aircraft to fly - MSN 065 - will be equipped with a cabin and will evaluate the cabin and air systems. MSN065 will also perform the early long flights and route-proving.

Airbus stated the development of the A350-1000 is on track for scheduled entry into service for 2H2017. The aircraft is solely powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The initial test flight lasted more than four hours. The flight test campaign will also benefit from experience with the A350-900 and the increasing maturity of the A350 programme as more aircraft enter service. To date 11 customers from five continents have placed orders for a total of 195 A350-1000s. [more - original PR]