Airbus A320
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The Airbus A320 is an airplane manufactured by Airbus SAS that first flew in 1987. It has a maximum capacity of approximately 180 passengers. Modified versions have space for between 105 and 220 seats.
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[edit] Technology
The A320 was the world's first commercial jet to use a small joystick, also called a sidestick, to fly it instead of a normal yoke (a steering-wheel like device). This matched the new digital 'fly-by-wire' system, the first use of this in a civilian aircraft, which makes the A320 much easier and safer to fly.
The A320 also has a full "glass-cockpit", where most instruments in the cockpit (The front part of the plane where the pilot is) have been replaced by television (TV) screens.
Most of the technology first used on the A320 has been used on all Airbus products made afterwards. Other manufacturers have also used much of the technology (Boeing used a glass-cockpit and fly-by-wire for its 77).
[edit] Sales
The Airbus A320 has sold very well, making it the second most popular airliner in the world. Major customers include large airlines like:
- British Airways
- easyJet
- jetBlue
- Lufthansa
- US Airways
A version known as the A318 hasn't sold as well and the only large operator is Frontier Airlines.
[edit] Modifications
The A320 has been shortened to produce the A319 and streched to produce the A321. Recently it was shortened even more to make the A318.
These different versions are known as "A320 derivatives". When talking about all of them, they are known as the "A320 family" or "A32x".
Changes in size are done by removing or adding sections of fuselage (the part of the aircraft passengers sit in) and adjusting the power of the engines. Airbus try to keep the airplanes the same where possible, to reduce operating costs.
Pilots only need one licence (called a type-rating) to fly all A320 derivatives.
[edit] Engines
The A319, A320 and A321 have engines made by two different companies; International Aero Engines (IAE) supply the V2500 and CFM International provide the CFM56. Over 70% of the A320 family have IAE engines.
The significantly smaller A318 has either Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines or CFM56-5. The PW6000 was not as good as expected and this may of reduced the number of sales; several airlines cancelled their orders before the more efficient CFM engine arrived.
[edit] Problems
The A320 has been very reliable in service. Many early problems were caused by pilots not being use to the new "glass cockpit" and "fly-by-wire", but these no longer happen. In recent years, the A320s has become known for problems with its front wheels (nose gear), however these are not actually common.
[edit] Similar Aircraft
- Boeing 727
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 757-200
- Douglas DC-9 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-80
- Hawker-Siddley HS-121 Trident
- Tupolev Tu-154
- Tupolev Tu-204
[edit] External links
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