A350 XWB test barrel

AIRBUS has completed the second CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) fuselage demonstrator for the A350 XWB which is designed to be very close to the production units.  The barrel measures 18m in length and more than six metres in diameter.  Its three sections reflect the actual A350 XWB fuselage and is a very obvious demonstration of the progress being made on the new aircraft.  As recently reported in AERBT Airbus has a target first flight in 2012 and a 15-month flight test programme is envisaged.  To date 493 orders have been announced from 31 customers. www.airbus.com

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