Airlines

How does Airbus produce the A350 wings, Where Innovation Meets the Sky

Airbus, one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, has revolutionized the aviation industry with its state-of-the-art aircraft. Among the many components that contribute to the success of Airbus airplanes, the wings stand out as a marvel of engineering and manufacturing prowess.

These wings, which carry half of the world’s passengers, play a pivotal role in the overall performance, efficiency, and safety of the aircraft. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Airbus wing production, exploring the intricate processes and cutting-edge technologies that enable Airbus to create these remarkable structures.

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At Airbus, assembling and equipping wings is a little like a puzzle. Consider the A350. Similar to all other Airbus Commercial Aircraft programmes, the supply chain and several Airbus facilities create the composite coverings, spars, and other parts for the wings. Operators then assemble the wings at Broughton plant in the UK.

Each completed A350 wingset is flown by BelugaXL air transporter to Toulouse operating on a blend of 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), where it is joined to the centre wing box and fuselage during final assembly.

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Before this production puzzle can be completed, a lot needs to happen. The process starts well upstream, with the Overall Aircraft Design. This determines the wing’s shape and characteristics, including flight controls and high lift systems.

A so-called ‘co-design’ phase then begins. A wing’s structural design is matured in parallel with the industrial system required to produce it.

Longer, leaner, lighter

Higher levels of automation will be used in the future to make wings. The ideal combination of manual and automated assembly will be determined by Airbus experts using a method known as “design for manufacture,” ensuring that the wings are manufactured correctly at the right price the first time, every time.

The wings of the future will be longer, slimmer, and lighter. When combined, these features enable an aeroplane to gain lift while using less fuel, which reduces CO2 emissions.

This modification in wing design necessitates a modification in wing manufacture. To cost-effectively construct such a light wing at volume and speed, Airbus’ industrial infrastructure must be outfitted. The transformation necessitates a radical rethink, and Wing of Tomorrow fills that need.

Its goal is to prepare the workforce, the supply chain, the industrial system, and the company’s physical and digital capabilities in addition to the technologies required for the next generation of aircraft. Together, it will develop the flexibility needed to scale up production quickly while taking into account how it will affect the workers who produce the wings every day.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.