Airbus completes hot weather testing A350 XWB in UAE

Airbus has completed hot weather testing of the A350 XWB flight test aircraft (MSN3) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The tests were aimed at checking the performance of the engines and aircraft systems at temperatures reaching above 40°C.

Several tests were carried out in flight and on the ground, including heat soak tests, the company said.

The tests involved leaving the aircraft on the ground and in the sun for several hours, and later checks were performed on various cooling systems.

The A350 XWB, which is getting closer to certification in the third quarter of 2014, has to date executed more than 2,000 flight test hours in more than 460 test flights.

The programme is on track to deliver the first customer aircraft to Qatar Airways in the fourth quarter this year, Airbus said.

The hot weather testing was conducted just days after the A350 XWB MSN002 completed the ‘Early Long Flight’ campaign involving two trips with passengers, which allows Airbus to assess the cabin environment and systems in flight ahead of final certification.

Airbus’ mid-size long range A350 XWB comprises three versions covering a wide range of capacities from 276 to 369 seats.

As of the end of last month, the A350 XWB had an order book of 812 aircraft from 39 customers worldwide.

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Image: The behaviour of the A350 XWB engines and systems at temperatures reaching above 40°C was monitored during the tests. Photo: courtesy of H. Goussé / Airbus S.A.S.