Airbus has tested an aircraft capable of flying for more than 22 hours without landing
Airbus has successfully completed the first test flight of its new A350-1000ULR ultra-long-range aircraft, which is capable of staying in the air for over 22 hours and covering up to 18,500 km without refueling. As a result, flights between Australia, Europe, and the United States will become significantly faster and more comfortable.
The first flight tests of the flagship aircraft took place at the Airbus factory airfield in Toulouse.
The test flight lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes, during which specialists checked the operation of the engines, navigation systems, and the aircraft’s behavior during maneuvers.
During the tests, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 12,500 meters, and analysis of the data confirmed the stable operation of all onboard systems and compliance with design specifications.
The new A350-1000ULR is based on the production A350-1000, but engineers significantly upgraded the fuel system to achieve the record-breaking range.
An additional 20,000-liter fuel tank was installed in the central section of the fuselage, significantly increasing the aircraft’s fuel capacity without sacrificing cargo space.
Combined with a composite wing and modern Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, this has given the aircraft record-breaking range.
For long-haul flights, Qantas decided to prioritize passenger comfort.
While the standard A350-1000 can carry between 350 and 410 passengers, the ULR version is designed for only 238 passengers.
The cabin will be divided into four classes:
- First Class with private sleeper cabins;
- Business Class;
- Premium Economy;
- Economy class with extra legroom.
Special attention was also paid to rest areas and overall comfort during ultra-long-haul flights.
Under the contract, Airbus is to deliver 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft to Qantas.
The airline will receive its first commercial aircraft as early as next year, and plans to launch regular nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London, Paris, and New York in 2027.
The new A350-1000ULR is set to become one of the world’s longest-range passenger aircraft and usher in a new era of nonstop intercontinental flights.
Recently, an unusual incident occurred at an airport in France: a plane departed without 150 passengers. The passengers were already heading to the gate but did not make it through passport control and were left in the terminal after the flight departed.
United Airlines turned the plane around due to a suspicious Bluetooth signal — The Independent.
