Tue, Jun 21, 2011
But Engine Redesign Pushes Entry Into Service Back By 18
Months
Saying it is responding to the market's call for more payload
and range, Airbus and Rolls-Royce said Monday they will jointly
develop the A350-1000 with more powerful Trent XWB engines. The
enhanced version of the Trent XWB engine will be fully optimised
for the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, and will deliver up
to 97,000lbs of thrust on takeoff, making it the most powerful
engine ever developed for an Airbus aircraft. The entry into
service is now set for mid 2017. “This will unequivocally
assure the A350-1000’s position as the most efficient
aircraft in its category,” said Fabrice Brégier,
Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer. That category includes
Boeing's 777. Airbus had originally planned to power all three
models in its A350 line with the same engine.
A350-1000 Artist's Rendering
“Trent XWB engines currently on test are proving it to be
the most advanced civil aero engine in the world today," said Mark
King, Rolls-Royce President, Civil Aerospace. "The higher thrust
variant of the Trent XWB optimised for the A350-1000 incorporates
further innovations from our Advance 3 technology demonstrator
programmes. This has enabled us to offer our partner, Airbus, a
new, higher thrust version of the engine with industry-leading
levels of efficiency.”
The extra thrust together with an increased aircraft takeoff
weight capability of 339 tons will enable airlines to fly the new
A350-1000 approximately 400nm further with a full load of 350
passengers, or carry nearly five extra tons of payload at a given
range. Airbus says the A350-1000’s payload-range capability
will support the development of long haul-routes for emerging
markets, as well as more traditional routes while burning less
fuel.
The A350 XWB Family consists of three passenger versions with
true long-range capability. The A350-1000 is the largest of these
and will typically accommodate 350 seats. To date, four key
customers have ordered a total of 75 A350-1000s. Airbus forecasts a
demand over the next 20 years for around 5,800 new twin-aisle
mid-size passenger aircraft. The A350-900 is expected to be flying
passengers by the end of 2013.
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