The introduction of the A350 freighter version (“A350F”) represents a new challenge for Airbus, and the complexity of bringing a new aircraft variant to market is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the ground testing performed during final assembly.
What are the A350F’s innovations for cargo operations?
The A350F has introduced numerous systems which either feature major modifications or are completely new. These are largely concentrated in the cabin and cargo areas and have necessitated the development of associated aircraft ground tests. Key new systems to be tested include:
• main-deck cargo loading system
• main-deck cargo door
• dedicated ‘courier’ area with seating for up to 10 occupants
• anti-tail-tipping warning system
• main-deck drainage system
• new water & waste system
• multi-zonal air distribution system
• oxygen system
• ‘Smart Freighter’ on board connectivity system
• video-monitoring system
”Guillaume Terrien leads the ground test design activities for the new A350F. “As early as 2021, at the A350F’s definition phase – close collaboration was initiated between the FAL Ground Test Design and Chief Engineering teams,” he recalls. “The goal was to share FAL testability constraints so they could be taken into account from the preliminary aircraft design stage, thus facilitating future ground tests at the FAL stations. This approach is known as ‘co-design’. (....)