Airbus has unveiled the main-deck door size on its A350 freighter mock-up, emphasizing the design's enhancements for increased cargo capacity and operational efficiency. This showcase highlights Airbus's commitment to advancing air freight technology and meeting industry demands. The A350 freighter is poised to offer improved loading capabilities, making it a competitive option for global cargo transportation. The industry is keenly watching how these features will impact the air freight market.
Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - Airbus has unveiled a mock-up of its A350 freighter, emphasizing its large main-deck cargo door as a significant feature.
The aircraft will support a maximum payload of 111 tons. While Airbus has not yet provided a formal payload-range chart, it has previously suggested ranges of 4,550 nautical miles at 111 tons and 4,700 nautical miles at 109 tons.
Airbus aims to have the freighter in service by 2026.
The aircraft’s main-deck cargo door, branded as the ‘XL’ by Airbus, will measure 4.3 meters (169.5 inches) in width.
Specifications from last year indicated the door opening would be just under 4.2 meters.
Airbus asserts that this will be the “largest cargo door on the market”.
Boston Brand Media also found that, "The XL door is designed to accommodate all current and future ultra-fans aero engines and allows for the single-entry loading of the longest items," Airbus adds.
"It offers ample clearances and ensures safe and easy ground operations, minimizing the risk of damage to the surrounding structure, thus avoiding delays and flight cancellations."
Boeing’s 777F and Israel Aerospace Industries’ 777-300ERSF conversion feature main-deck door widths of 3.7 meters. Boeing also indicates that the 777-8F will have a 3.7-meter door.
Airbus has designed the A350 freighter, to be named the -1000F, with a fuselage length of 70.8 meters, which is shorter than the passenger -1000 but longer than the -900. The company has secured orders for 55 of these aircraft.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
Source: flightglobal