The interactive function will permit the flight deck crew to select and enter information using a pointing device similar to a PC mouse, revealed Airbus. The pointers located on the pedestal will provide the crew with a straightforward means to perform direct designation on the displays, for instance to select waypoints or airports on the navigation displays, thus reducing head-down time when using a keyboard.

The use of larger screens will allow integration of a vertical display with the ability to visualize data, including the aircraft's vertical trajectory compared to the vertical flight plan, the terrain, and the safety altitudes applicable to the current phase of flight. Further aids for the flight deck crew will include video cameras to assist taxiing. The aircraft will also have a facility to display airport maps showing the aircraft's position.

As well as the airliner format, both freighter and combi versions of the A3XX are now under consideration. They may use GLARE fiber laminate panels in their cargo areas. Airbus has said that GLARE used in cargo compartments of its current aircraft is reducing wear and tear. Garuda Airlines has been using it for 18 months in an A330-300. GLARE panels were fitted in the floor of the bulk cargo compartment and the side walls of the container cargo compartment near the cargo doors, areas likely to be damaged by cargo loads being moved or the effect of deformed cargo containers. Airbus said that presently, cargo holds are protected with sandwich panels made of glass-fiber layers on top of a honeycomb core. In the panels used for the trial, the glass fiber on one side of the panel was replaced with GLARE. The floor panels with GLARE did not contribute to any weight increase and if the trial is successful, the panels may be offered as an option. Further developments may result in a net decrease in the aircraft weight.

Airbus is also working on its maturity program for the A340-500/-600 using simulated passengers to test on-board cabin systems. Airbus says the aircraft is being subjected to the most rigorous maturity program ever applied by the company and embraces all aspects of it from operation of its Rolls-Royce Trent engines to new cargo and cabin systems. A test aircraft with a fully fitted cabin will be subjected to checks using passenger simulation systems, which will, among other things, flush toilets and test air conditioning systems. Light bulbs will be used to simulate passenger body heat and when used in various combinations will provide information on differing load factors and seating configurations that need to be evaluated.

Airbus said the maturity program has required particular commitments from suppliers. Many of these are now designated as systems suppliers rather than component suppliers, giving them the responsibility of ensuring that their products will be integrated trouble-free into the aircraft.

Stuart Birch

Aerospace Engineering May 2000