Despite the Airbus A350 being in service for quite some time now, its freighter version is now too in the final stages of its development. The aircraft is undergoing the final test phase which has it flying for the very first time.
In this post:
The A350F’s First Successful Test Flight
Airbus’ first A350F flight finally took place with the aircraft flying for a total of 4 hours and 10 minutes. During the flight the aircraft reach the highest altitude of 25,000 to give the pressurization system its first test ride.
The airframe is number MSN700 and is the first of two prototypes Airbus will be using for the final certification process. The second aircraft which bears registration number MSN701 is on the final assembly line and will soon join in on the certification action.
This is an important milestone for what is Airbus’ first real swing in the freighter segment of the market. However, the certification process, if all goes according to plan, is not in any way a short one.
This week was only the first of a long list of test flights that will go on for the next 9 moths give or take. Certification is expected to come in the second half of 2027 with the aircraft to hopefully enter service shortly afterwards.
Test crew featured:
- Captain & Test Pilot: Bernardo Saez-Benito
- First Officer and Experimental Test Pilot: Sylvain Guiraud
- Test Flight Engineer: Ludovic Girard.
- Lead Flight Test Engineers: Laurent Bussiere and Jaime Angoloti
Betting on Efficiency Over Size
What makes the Airbus A350F special is its focus on advanced materials for its airframe construction and overall efficiency, which is prioritized over sheer size.
This is something that once again differentiates Boeing and Airbus in aircraft design philosophy.
Boeing is betting on size, working on an already successful platform such as the Boeing 777. Airbus, on the other hand, is betting that efficiency will be what airlines are more interested in, with the advantage of having a clean slate to design the A350F from the ground up.
The A350F promises to be able to carry a payload of 111 Tonnes combined with a range of up to 8,700 Kilometers. The airframe is built using 70% composite materials, meaning the A350F is extremely light. Airbus states it results in a 46 tonnes lighter MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) than competitor aircraft.
The engines, Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97, which it shares with the A350-1000, should then bring to the table additional savings in terms of fuel efficiency CO2 emissions. This is Airbus tooting its own horn, however the savings are significant with the manufacturer stating the engine ensure 40% less fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
What that boils down to is that the A350F is the first aircraft to fully meet the latest ICAO’s CO₂ emission standards.