flight tests
Boeing 787 Dreamliner completes flight testing for Type Certification
Boeing has completed all flight tests required for type certification of the 787-8 Dreamliner with Rolls-Royce engines this weekend. The all-new jetliner is bringing unprecedented levels of fuel economy, maintenance cost improvements, and environmental sensitivity to the marketplace through the use of new technologies including composites, more-electric systems, advanced aerodynamics and the latest advancements in propulsion. Read more
June 22, 20101 year ago
Video: Boeing B-1 begins flight-testing with new Link 16 communications
Boeing have today announced the start of flight tests for a B-1 Lancer bomber upgraded with new digital avionics for the aft cockpit Read more
Pictures: Lufthansa shows off First Class travel on Airbus A380
Lufthansa has unveiled its newly developed First Class this week on board its first Airbus A380. The world’s largest and most modern commercial aircraft promises relaxed and comfortable travel – and not only in First Class. In Business and Economy Class on its Airbus A380, Lufthansa also offers the highest level of passenger comfort. The generous proportions of the cabin alone create a feeling of spaciousness.
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“The A380 offers our passengers a first-rate travel experience. The very dimensions of the Airbus A380 and its flight characteristics make travelling on this aircraft a truly unique experience. In all three travel classes, our passengers can enjoy the ultimate in comfort. The exceptional and exclusive First Class concept, which was designed according to our passengers’ wishes and needs, is particularly impressive,” said Thierry Antinori, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board responsible for Marketing and Sales, at the presentation of the new First Class.
Fly with Lufthansa to international destinations from 299 GBP!
Developed by customers, for customers – top-flight travel in the new First Class
In future, Lufthansa passengers can expect a First Class experience that sets new standards in terms of exclusivity and comfort. The first impression upon entering the cabin is one of spaciousness, inviting passengers to relax and unwind. Superb-quality materials plus a clear, uniform design language echo the elegant features of the First Class Lounges and the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt on board the A380 and provide a harmonious travel experience.
The generously proportioned, open design and exclusive ambience with simple, distinct lines and subtle colours creates a light, appealing and inviting atmosphere. A concept with separate cabins was deliberately rejected because at numerous customer events, and during in-flight tests and surveys, Lufthansa passengers expressed a clear preference for an open-plan design. However, thanks to a flexible privacy screen, First Class guests can determine the degree of individual privacy they desire.
In order to adapt the new First Class concept to the actual needs of passengers, Lufthansa customers were substantially involved in its development. From the outset, their experiences and wishes were integrated into the design. A quiet atmosphere is one of the most important needs of First Class customers. Sound-absorbing curtains partition off the rest of the cabin, while special sound-insulating material in the aircraft’s outer skin and sound-absorbing carpeting block footstep noise and ensure the world’s quietest First Class cabin.
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The atmosphere soon lets passengers forget that they are travelling by air. Another important factor in customer comfort is the newly developed seat, which combines ergonomics and comfort and which can be extended to create the “best bed in its class”. Measuring 2.07 metres in length and 80 centimetres in width, the comfortable bed offers plenty of room, enabling passengers to enjoy deep, relaxing sleep. The air humidification system — the first of its kind to be installed on a commercial aircraft — and the lighting concept, which adjusts according to the time of day, also contribute towards passengers’ well-being on board.
On the A380, First Class passengers have an extraordinary amount of space. In the cabin, overhead bins were omitted in order to provide more headroom. Instead, each passenger has an individual closet, which is lockable, in addition to the generous storage facilities around the seat.
Instead of just a washroom with a lavatory, First Class passengers will find a luxurious bathroom with wash and changing areas separated from the lavatory area. The room is well- equipped with various bath amenities and provides plenty of space to move around in.
Related articles
- Video: A younger view of the Airbus A380 (planetalkinglive.com)
- Building the A380, the world’s largest passenger plane (news.cnet.com)
Flight-test operations for Boeing 747-8 Freighter move to Southern California
The second Boeing 747-8 Freighter, RC521, landed in Palmdale, California , marking the beginning of a planned transition of 747-8 Freighter testing to Southern California. The more than four-hour flight from Boeing Field in Seattle included testing on avionics and cruise performance.
“Taking the airplane to Palmdale is a big step,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program. “The team is focused on ensuring a seamless transition into the next phase of the flight-test program as we prepare to expand testing of the 747-8 Freighter’s performance characteristics.”
The airplane will be stationed in Palmdale for the majority of its scheduled flight-test program. The crew will conduct several tests on the airplane with fuel-mileage and engine-performance testing as key focus areas.
“Palmdale provides an excellent test environment for the 747-8 Freighter,” said Andy Hammer, 747 test program manager. “It allows us to take full advantage of one of the world’s premier experimental test flight facilities and the excellent weather conditions to meet our flight-test requirements on the road to obtaining our amended type certification.”
A contingent of employees has been stationed at Palmdale for the testing, including flight-test engineers and the support personnel who prepare the airplane for each day’s flights. In the coming weeks, the two other 747-8 airplanes in the flight-test fleet will join RC521 in Southern California.
The entire flight-test program calls for the three airplanes to perform a total of about 3,700 hours of ground and air testing. The first 747-8 Freighter delivery to Cargolux is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
