Aerospace

Is Airbus planning to modify the A321XLR’s belly fuel storage?

Airbus A321XLR Secures EASA Approval, Ready for Commercial Debut

The Airbus A321XLR is one of the most long-range commercial aircraft in the narrow-body class, having recently demonstrated a nonstop 13-hour flight. The Authority, on the other hand, is unsatisfied with certain elements of the aircraft, which are likely to make the aircraft unsafe for some reason.

The first 13-hour test flight of the A321XLR was successfully accomplished.

The FAA previously suggested that essential adjustments be made to the aircraft’s over-the-rear fuel storage during any crash landing since this might result in the risk of catching fire and unsafe over-crash landing.

EASA has now expressed its support for the FAA regulation and requested the required changes for flight safety.

According to the EASA document, which was released on D, “EASA identified the need to prescribe special detailed technical specifications (dubbed Special Conditions) to ensure adequate occupant protection against the risks of external fire and burn-through, fuel vapor ignition, and fuel tank explosion, as well as to ensure crashworthiness of this fuel tank so that no fuel is released in sufficient quantities to start a serious fire in an otherwise survivable crash event.”

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Since Boeing expressed concerns to regulators, the design of the integrated tank with a capacity of 19.200 litres has been the focus of attention. If the tank was penetrated by some portion, the close closeness to the landing gear could constitute a hazard during a hard landing. Furthermore, with passengers seated directly on top of the tank, cold fuel could have an impact on cabin comfort. Because the fuel tank and passenger seats are in the same location, there is less time for evacuation during the crash.

American airlines Insight view of A321XLR

The gasoline tank should be located in a specific aircraft fuselage location “that is not likely to collapse or rupture in a survivable crash event beyond the appropriate existing emergency landing conditions,” according to the agency.

The European authorities also advised that Airbus consider adding some extra fuselage design features, such as a bladder and crushable structure, which would “mitigate the effects of impact and scraping on the ground, including contact with obstructions”.

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According to EASA, installing compatible materials in this place would jeopardize the ventilation surrounding the fuel tank. It further stated that the tank could be vulnerable to external fire and that without adequate protection, people may not have enough time to flee.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.