A320- a family of narrow-body aircraft for short and medium-haul airlines developed by the European consortium "Airbus S.A.S". Released in 1988, it became the first passenger aircraft to use fly-by-wire control systems.

As of January 2011, there are orders for 6956 aircraft of the A320 family with 4552 sold machines, of which 4467 are in operation. Until February 2008, the final assembly of the A320 was carried out only in Toulouse, and since March 2008, due to high demand, the final assembly is also carried out at the Hamburg-Finkenwerder plant. All other versions of the A320 have been and are being manufactured in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. In addition, an assembly line for the A320 family aircraft was opened in China with an estimated capacity of 4 aircraft per month (in 2011). The main competitor of the Airbus A320 family is the Boeing 737 family. The A320 is the second most popular jet by passenger liner after the Boeing-737.

Twin-engine low-wing aircraft with swept wing, single-fin vertical tail, with turbofan engines.

Development of

Following the success of the A300, the Airbus consortium began development of a new aircraft designed to replace the most popular aircraft at the time, the Boeing 727 and earlier versions of the Boeing 737. It was intended to create an aircraft of similar dimensions, but more advanced in terms of economy and with different passenger capacity options. Digital technology would give the A320 an edge over its main competitors, the Boeing 727 and 737.

Peculiarities

Compared to other airliners of similar dimensions, the A320 series is distinguished by a spacious passenger compartment with large cabinets for hand luggage, large cargo capacity of the lower (cargo) deck and wide hatches for loading luggage (after the release of the A318, on other aircraft of the A320 family, mainly manufactured after 2000 years, innovations (Enhanced version) were also applied, such as: replacement of the interior lining panels; more spacious cabinets for carry-on luggage (internal volume increased by 11%; new Flight Attendant Panel (FAP) with a touch screen; individual lighting above each passenger ( Reading lights) based on LEDs; the ability to adjust the brightness of the main lighting in the cabin from 0 to 100%; LCD displays in the cockpit instead of electron beam; Some computers were also replaced, computer logic, changes in mechanisms and much more. For these and other reasons (including relatively low maintenance costs) A320 is very popular all over the world.

Another feature of the Airbus A320 is its advanced technical equipment (by the standards of the 1980s) cockpit. Instead of mechanical dial gauges, information about the position of the aircraft and the state of its engines and auxiliary systems is displayed on six electron-beam screens that occupy most of the dashboard. In addition, the classic aircraft control wheels have been replaced by special side-sticks located on the sides of the cockpit, thus the sidestick of the pilot sitting on the left (usually the aircraft commander acting as the first pilot) is located to the left of his seat. and the sidestick of the pilot seated on the right (usually the co-pilot, often acting as a navigator and flight engineer) is located to the right of his seat. Such a measure significantly improved the working conditions of the crew and, as a result, increased flight safety. These joysticks are not directly associated with control planes; any movement of the joystick is processed by the on-board computer, and the information is transmitted by wires to the hydraulic actuators, which come into action and perform necessary movements steering surfaces. The high level of automation of control of the aircraft and its systems made it possible to limit the number of crew members to two pilots.

The noise level of the Airbus A320 taking off is 82 decibels.

Production

Components from various factories of the Airbus concern are transported for final assembly to Hamburg (A318, A319, A321) and Toulouse (A320). Almost all transportation is carried out on the A300-600ST Beluga aircraft.

In the course of the economic recovery of the Airbus concern in 2007, German managers succeeded in transferring the production of the A320 from France to Germany.

In addition, the production of A320 type airliners has been established in the People's Republic of China. It is planned from 2010 that the Chinese factories of the concern will produce up to 50 aircraft per year. Also, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in Russia produces components for A320 airliners.

The A320 is helping Airbus Industry offset losses from manufacturing problems for the A380 giant. The order book is formed by Asian airlines and leasing companies.

The biggest problem for Airbus Industry remains the low dollar exchange rate. Aircraft are paid in dollars, and most of the production is located in the eurozone.

Unit cost

• A318: $ 56.0 to $ 62.1 million
• A319: $ 63.3 to $ 77.3 million
• A320: $ 73.2 to $ 80.6 million
• A321: $ 87.7 to $ 92.8 million

Exploitation

Officially, the A320 aircraft program began in March 1984. The first flight of the A320 prototype aircraft with CFM56-5A1 engines took place on February 22, 1987. At the end of February 1988, the aircraft was certified in Europe, and in December - in the USA. In March 1988, Air France received its first aircraft. The A320 aircraft is the world's first passenger aircraft with a fly-by-wire control system (EDSU), a cockpit equipped with side control sticks instead of conventional steering columns, and a horizontal tail made entirely of composite materials. The A320 aircraft served as the basis for the development of the A321 (185-seat, 1994), A319 (124-seat, 1996) and A318 (107-seat, 2003) aircraft.

Airbus A320 flies up to 4900 km without landing, cruising speed - 901 km / h. The capacity is 150-179 passengers.

Accidents in the early stages of operation, including the Air France A320 disaster, seriously damaged the image of the aircraft and its computerized control system. The cause of the accident was never finally determined, although the official conclusion of the commission indicates a pilot error. Nevertheless, there is an opinion that the computer systems and previously identified deficiencies of the aircraft are to blame.

Competition

The main competitor for the A320 family is the Boeing 737NG family. The Boeing 757 competes with the A321 with a slightly longer range and slightly higher passenger capacity, but production was discontinued in 2005. For the A318 and A319, competing models may be outdated, such as the discontinued Boeing 717. Airbus plans to launch neo aircraft in the near future as the aforementioned Next Generation aircraft hit the market.

New Engine Option

Airbus is currently working on installing new engines for the A320 family. The program was named New Engine Option (NEO). Customers will be offered CFM International LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. The new engines are 16% more economical, but the actual savings after installation on an aircraft will be slightly less, as 1–2% savings are usually lost when the engines are installed on an existing model. The new engines will increase the range (by 950 km) or payload (by 2 tons). The A320neo will also receive a modified wing with shark fin washers.

Airbus CEO said Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G engines can confidently expect a 20% reduction in operating costs over existing engines. About 4,000 A320neo aircraft will be delivered in 15 years. The main customer of the new model is Virgin America, which has placed a "firm" (ie paid) order for 30 A320neo under the contract for the supply of 60 aircraft signed on January 17, 2011. In January 2011 of the year, IndiGo has signed a preliminary contract for the supply of 150 A320neo and 30 A320 aircraft.

At the 2011 Le Bourget Air Show, Airbus announced it has received orders from Scandinavian Airlines System and Air Lease, as well as from India's low-cost airline IndiGo. On June 23, 2011, Airbus announced it has received an order for 200 A320neo from Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia. This order became the largest in the history of aviation. In total, at Le Bourget, Airbus received a record 667 A320neo orders worth $ 60.9 billion. A total of 1,029 aircraft of this model have been ordered since December 2010, making it the most popular passenger aircraft in the world. On July 20, 2011, American Airlines ordered 130 A320neo and 130 aircraft of the existing A320 model. Prior to this, American Airlines operated exclusively Boeing aircraft.

Specifications

Technologies

The aircraft is equipped with a digital avionics complex EFIS manufactured by the French company "TOMCOH-CSF", consisting of six color multifunctional displays for displaying flight and navigation information, as well as data on the operation of onboard systems and warnings about failures. All avionics are ARINC 700 compliant.

Extensive use of composite materials (about 20%) in aircraft construction. Mainly used are Glass-fiber reinforced plastic, Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, honeycomb core. Almost all wing mechanization is made of composite materials (slats, flaps, spoiler panels, hatches, nose cone), and the vertical stabilizer is completely made of composite. The leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer is also composite.

Variants

A320

The A320 is a twin-engine aircraft with a central cockpit aisle, 4 passenger entrances and 4 emergency exits. The Airbus A320 can accommodate a maximum of 180 passengers. In a typical 2-class version (2 + 2 seats in business class and 3 + 3 seats in economy class), 150 passengers can be accommodated in the cabin. The cargo hold can accommodate 7 AKH containers - 3 in the front, 4 in the back. The A320 is - as its name itself says - the founding model of the successful A320 family. The cruising speed of the A-320 is 910 km per hour. The average flight range is 4,600 km. Depending on the equipment of the cabin with an additional fuel tank, it can cover a distance of 5,500 km.

A319

Modification of the A320 with a shortened fuselage by reducing the number of passenger seats by two rows. Thanks to the release of variants with different flight ranges and capacities, the operators of this type of aircraft receive significant advantages. In addition to the basic model, designed to carry 124 passengers at a distance of up to 6650 km, customers are offered an option with an increased capacity of up to 156 seats.

Airbus also offers two versions of the A319: A319CJ- business aircraft with increased flight range.

A319LR - Airbus modification A319 with additional fuel tanks increasing the flight range up to 8,300 km.

А319ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet)- a business jet carrying 39 passengers over a distance of up to 12,000 km.

A321

A321 airliners, commissioned in early 1994, are the largest in the A320 family. The typical layout of the A321 provides accommodation for 185 passengers in two classes or up to 220 passengers in one class for charter and low-cost flights, with a flight range of up to 5600 km.

A318

A318, designed to carry 107 passengers in a typical two-class layout or up to 132 passengers in a single-class layout, was put into operation in July 2003. It can fly up to 5950 km. The A318 can operate on shorter runways than other aircraft of the same size.

In addition, in 2007, the A318 was certified to perform landings with a steeper descent trajectory. These qualities, combined with low noise levels, make the A318 suitable for use in urban airports.

On the A318, a number of improved on-board systems were introduced, which are now equipped with other models of the A320 family, which makes it possible to increase the reliability of aircraft in operation and reduce the cost of maintenance and the purchase of spare parts. These include an in-cabin information management system with an interactive screen located on the Cabin Intercommunication Data System (Cabin Intercommunication Data System).

A318 Elite The smallest and youngest of the Airbus corporate jets; the price of the aircraft is about $ 50 million. It was exhibited at the Jet Expo 2007 in Vnukovo-3 in the fall of 2007.

Supplies

Accidents and disasters

As of September 8, 2011, 26 aircraft were lost in accidents and disasters (two A321, three A319, twenty-one A320, there are no accidents on the A318 account), 790 people died (according to the table - 806 people).

There has been a quantum leap in the 144th scale models over the past 10 years. In terms of detail, they began to catch up with the models of the older 72nd scale from the period of the 90s. One of these breakthrough models was new model airliner Airbus A320 from Zvezda. Let's evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, at the same time compare with the popular model from Revell.

Kitography

The medium-haul passenger aircraft Airbus A320 made its first flight on February 11, 1987, and a year later, a new product from Revell appeared in the 144th scale, which was reissued in 1990. The model was rather crude and primitive in detail.

The next model appeared only in 1999. It was a classic model from Revell - internal joining, good detailing (about 70-75 parts), excellent decal. Revell reissued this model every year with new decals. Later, in addition to the A320, there were also modifications of the A319 and A321, differing only in the fuselage. In the late 90s and in 2012-2013, the same model was repackaged by Hasegawa.

In the 2000s, a Heller model appeared in a non-standard 1/125 scale, which Zvezda repackaged. In 2010, an LND model from the Orient Express company appeared (a total of 40 parts). But unlike the rest, the company did not make the most common modifications and limited itself to the shortest A318. The model itself was made on the basis of the model from Revell with minimal differences from it, but with decal windows and LND casting technology. And now, in June 2014, the new A320 model from Zvezda has been released. There were other less common models, including on other scales.

Packaging and instructions

The model is packed as usual in a double box - a soft outer box made of thin cardboard and an inner convenient box made of hard cardboard.

The sprues are sealed in packages. The set also includes a stand for the model. The instruction is simple and straightforward. The only thing is that you should not refer to the instruction of the Stars when coloring small things and you need to paint from photographs.

Gates

In total, the set contains 3 sprues made of gray plastic and 1 sprue made of transparent soft plastic - a total of 139 parts (12 transparent ones - 2 are not used). But some of the parts are not used - in particular, the IAE V2500 engines and additional 2 windows in the front of the cabin. Most likely, there will be another re-release of this model by the Star in a different cabin layout and with other engines (for example, Avianova had a similar combination of engines and a single-class cabin layout with maximum capacity) or another modification (318, 319 or 321). Unfortunately, Zvezda has switched over the past few years to soft, transparent polyethylene plastic, which is almost impossible to polish. For comparison, the Revell model has a total of 65 parts (3 transparent). Despite numerous complaints about the defective casting of the Star, I came across a normal casting without a deformed fuselage and wings. There is no flash anywhere, plastic shrinkage to a minimum - along the rudder on the keel, on the lower plane of the center section. The pusher marks are visible only on the ceiling of the front landing gear niche and on the pilot's seats. The jointing is pretty thin and neat. In general, everything is decent against the backdrop of the overgrown Revell. Oddly, Hasegawa's castings from the same Revell molds look much better in quality.

Decal

The decal is offered for 3 Aeroflot aircraft. Unfortunately, this roofing felts is a marriage, or a flaw, but in the decal the gradient on the tricolor is spoiled by the black color. It is possible that in the next castings this drawback will be removed. In general, if you do not pay attention to the jamb with a gradient, then the decal is not bad - it contains all the large technical equipment visible on the plane, the colors are not distorted, there are no displacements when printing. The silvery color, as usual for the Star, is simulated with gray. Alas, this is not an ice. But on Airbus family A320 has a whole sea of ​​better and more varied decals, including those with silk-screen printing, so you don't have to limit yourself to Aeroflot. Of course, they were all sharpened for the model from Revell, but I think that soon there will be new decals, sharpened for the geometry of the model from Zvezda.

Airbus A320-214 of Aeroflot airlines, "N. Bassov ", VP-BLL, c / n 5572
The first flight was made on March 20, 2013, delivered to the airline on April 10, 2013. The cabin has a layout of 8/150 seats.

Airbus A320-214 of Aeroflot, I. Pavlov ", VQ-BEH, c / n 4133
The first flight was made on November 24, 2009, delivered to the airline on December 14, 2009. The cabin has a layout of 20/120 seats.

Airbus A320-214 of Aeroflot airlines, "V. Chelomey ", VQ-BCN, c / n 3954
The first flight was made on June 15, 2009, delivered to the airline on June 1, 2009. The cabin has a layout of 20/120 seats.

Fuselage

The fuselage is cast in two halves, the lower part of the center section is cast integrally with the wing. The antennas, unlike the Revell model, are given in separate parts, whereas there they are cast integrally from one of the fuselage halves. But their number in both models is not enough - the Zvezda model lacks 5 antennas, the Revell - 4. But the Zvezda model has gutters over the entrance doors, which Revell does not have. There are also questions about the fuselage contours of the Revell model in the cockpit area, which noticeably distorts the line of the cockpit glazing. There are some plastic shrinkages on the top of the fuselage.

Wing

One of the distinguishing features of the new Zvezda model is the extended wing mechanization in take-off position. Flaps, thrust fairings and slats are available in two types - retracted and extended. In general, everything is very nice. But it was done quite simply, so the aftermarket manufacturers will most likely pay attention to this and etching or resin will appear. The landing configuration of the wing mechanization deserves special attention. Etched spoilers, brake flaps and wing spars and resin flaps with ailerons would come in handy here. There is nothing special to comment on, see the pictures. Of course, the detailing is simplified compared to reality or larger scales. But for the 144th scale, this is quite enough, given that earlier on this scale, such chips were rare or were not available at all.

Engines

The model contains 2 different types of motors. Specifically for Aeroflot decals, CFM International CFM56-5A / B engines are given, which are installed on most aircraft of the A320 family. Also included are International Aero Engines IAE V2500-A engines. Or maybe V2522-A5 or V2524-A5 or V2527-A5 or V2530-A5 or V2533-A5, but this is no longer important. On the 144th scale, the difference between them will not be noticeable in any way. It is possible that in the future Zvezda will expand the number of modifications of this model or make decals for other airlines. Compared to the Revell model, the Zvezda model has simpler detailing of the compressor nozzle and center body. The Revell model also provides these two types of engines. The leading edge of the engine air intakes at Zvezda is provided as a separate piece, which makes it easier to handle the engine nacelle.

Cab and salon

Another innovation of the Zvezda model is the presence of an interior for the cockpit, a vestibule in the area of ​​the front entrance door and the ability to make this door open. The cockpit is simple, but it has everything you need - the pilot's seats, the rear wall of the cockpit, an imitation of the entrance door to the cockpit, molded together with the side panels of the RUS and the dashboard. In the front vestibule of the passenger compartment, an imitation of folding seats for flight attendants, a mechanism for opening the starboard door, a curtain in the aisle to the business class passenger compartment, as well as bulkheads has been made. An open passenger door on the port side can be made in two positions - open (an imitation of the opening mechanism is made) and closed. The windows on the doors are imitated by decals due to their small size. The salon, for natural reasons, of its invisibility through the windows on the 144th scale, Zvezda did not do. Also, the interior would not have been visible through the open passenger doors. In the Revell model, there is nothing like this at all. When painting the cockpit and vestibule, it is better to be guided by photographs of a real aircraft from Aeroflot, and not by the suggested colors from the instructions. There it is proposed to paint all the walls in the vestibule, curtains and seats of flight attendants in white, and the carpet in black, which is not true. The color of the interior panels was light gray, the seats and curtains in the cabin were blue, and the carpet was dark blue.

Glazing

On the Revell model, only cockpit glazing is provided. The glazing of the passenger compartment is not done, and the imitation of windows is given in decals, despite the fact that through slots are made in the fuselage for the windows. The decision is rather controversial and not very successful. In the Zvezda model, the glazing of the passenger compartment is made in full. In this issue, the first interior windows are proposed to be closed with plugs. In this issue, Aeroflot aircraft had a two-class layout of 8/150 and 20/120 seats. It is possible that Zvezda is planning an A320 model with a single-class cabin layout (as in Avianov). Alas, the glazing is made of soft polyethylene plastic, which is difficult to polish.

Chassis

Another innovation in the Zvezda model is the presence of two types of landing gear struts with shock absorbers in the compressed and uncompressed state. This allows the model to be assembled in a takeoff or landing landing gear configuration and not to alter the length of the struts. The brake discs of the wheels of the main landing gear are cast separately from the wheels. The uprights are well molded, no mold marks. Everything is very neat. But the niches of the chassis of all three landing gear do not have any detailing - the walls and ceiling are completely bare. On top of that, there are traces of two pushers in the niche of the A-pillar on the ceiling. One consolation is that the niche of the front landing gear in the parking lot is almost completely closed and you will not see any detail in it at all. But the empty niches of the main landing gear is a problem. And the trouble is big, since Revell has simulated the detailing of all niches very well. Landing lights on the front landing gear, all three ANOs are given in transparent parts.

Aftemarket

So far, there is no specialized aftermarket for this model from Zvezda. But in the future, decals will definitely appear on it, including those with silk-screen printing and etching is possible, and maybe even resin. Decals for the Revell model may not fit, as the models may slightly differ in geometry. It is better to wait for the appearance of better quality decals from well-known domestic manufacturers of decals for civil aviation... There the silver color will be silver instead of gray and the gradient problem will be resolved.

Links and sources

When writing the article, the following sources of information were used:

• http://www.scalemates.com/search.php?section=0&q=%22Airbus+A320%22&qs=Search
• http://www.scalemates.com/products/product.php?id=194747
• http://www.ipmsdeutschland.de/FirstLook/Revell/Rev_A320_LH/Airbus_A320_LH.html
• http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/70865-airbus-a320-edelweiss-air/
• http://www.modellversium.de/kit/artikel.php?id=9307
• http://www.findmodelkit.com/content/airbus-a320-0
• http://www.findmodelkit.com/content/airbus-a320
• http://www.modellversium.de/kit/artikel.php?id=2764
• http://www.modellversium.de/kit/artikel.php?id=997
• http://scalehobby.kz/index.php/aviaciya-obzor-main/aviatsiya-drugie-masshtaby-obzory/297-obzor-a-318-1-144-ot-ve

Comparison with the Revell model

Star advantages:

• Detail of the cockpit and vestibule
• The presence of compressed / uncompressed shock absorbers of the landing gear
• The presence of the released wing mechanization
• Good detailing of the landing gear and wheels
• The presence of little things like landing lights, gutters, ANO
• Passenger compartment glazing
• While casting without flash

Disadvantages of the Star:

• Lack of detailing of the chassis niches
• Marriage in decals and the absence of silver elements in it
• Insufficient detailing of engines, especially nozzles
• Lack of many antennas
• Many castings of the Star have deformed wings or fuselages.
• The presence of plastic shrinkage
• Soft, non-polishing plastic glazing
• Errors in the instructions in the painting of little things (interior vestibule)
• The price of the new model is the same as the Revell model, but the Revell has a better quality decal.

Total

The model from Zvezda became one of the first models in the 144th scale, which had the detailing of the cockpit, at least a part of the cabin (vestibule) and the presence of the released wing mechanization. The model entered the market niche occupied by a very good model from Revell at one time, which immediately produced 3 modifications of the A320 family. But the miracle did not happen, and Zvezda did not succeed in surpassing the model from Revell in all respects. Here the traditional problems of the Star with decals and casting quality played a role. If the decal can be replaced with an aftermarket one with silk-screen printing, then nothing can be done with a defect in the form of behaved wings and fuselage. But Zvezda makes an exchange of defective sprues or missing parts. The model seems to have good detailing, but the detailing of the chassis niches is completely absent, and the detailing of the engines is inferior to the detailing from Revell. Also, the soft plastic of Zvezda's glazing, which is almost impossible to polish, also plays a negative role. But, despite all these little things and shortcomings, Zvezda's model was a success and allows you to assemble an interesting model. I still can't call it the best A320 model, but it is worthy alternative models from Revell. Each of these models has its own strengths and weaknesses... But do not forget that the Zvezda model began to cost 750-800 rubles at the level of the Revell model. And for this money, you want not just a good model.

Best regards, Andrey "SilverGhost"

Gallery A320

Airbus A320 Is a family of medium-range narrow-body commercial aircraft developed by Airbus in the mid-1980s. The family includes airliners, A320s and ACJ modifications - business jets based on them. The aircraft are manufactured in four factories: in Germany, France, China and the USA.

The first in the family in 1988 to enter the market was the A320 - the basic one for all models. In 1994, the A321 appeared, and then smaller versions of the A319 (1995) and A318 (2003). The A320 was the first commercial aircraft in the world to use fly-by-wire control and a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

At the end of 2016, 7421 aircraft of the family were delivered, of which 7101 are in operation. The order book is over 5,600 aircraft. In 2016, a new generation of the family was introduced to the market:.

Story

By the 1980s, this issue had already become urgent. Old European aircraft were already outdated, and American ones, due to the actual lack of competition, developed slowly. Many European manufacturers were working on the issue of creating a new generation aircraft, and the development of technology, in theory, made it possible to create a very progressive aircraft. Consolidation into the Airbus concern allowed them to share risks and try to enter the most massive niche of the aviation market.

Initially, the program was called JET (Joint European Transport) and was initiated in 1977. The base of work was the British Aerospace Research Center in Weybridge, UK. It was planned to create an aircraft with a capacity of 130-188 seats and equipped with two CFM56 engines. It was decided to create three modifications: SA1, SA2 and SA3 (SA - Single Aisle - one aisle in the cabin). In parallel, Airbus conducted research on practically the same A319, A320 and A321 aircraft. Some time later, after the return of the British to Airbus, the JET project became the basis for the A320 family.

In 1981, the project was officially named the A320. It was the SA2 version that was supposed to become the base for the entire family. The concern actively cooperated with the American Delta Air Lines in working out the requirements of airlines for the future aircraft. The A320 was supposed to carry about 150 passengers over a distance of 3440 kilometers. The fuselage diameter was also supposed to be larger than that of the Boeing 737.

The fly-by-wire control system, the first in a commercial aircraft, was to become one of the main trump cards of the future airliner. This system not only simplified production and reduced the weight of the aircraft, but also increased the reliability of control, and hence the safety of the flight. Moreover, new complex control assumed the abandonment of the classic steering wheel and the transition to a joystick. Subsequently, a similar scheme was extended to all Airbus models.

The engines took a long time to get out. Even options for open rotor engines were considered, but the developers considered it too exotic. The CFM56 engine was chosen - the most optimal at that time. Later, the IAE V2500 engine also appeared, created by International Aero Engines - an association of Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, JAEC (Japanese Aero Engine Corporation), Fiat and MTU Aero Engines.

The production of the A320 did not start immediately for a number of reasons. Firstly, each member country of the concern wanted to place the final assembly on its territory. Moreover, it was not so much about money as about prestige. Also a major dispute was the division of labor between countries in the production of components and in R&D. There were questions of subsidies, contractors and so on. As a result, prototyping did not start until 1984, when the production chain was finally approved.

The work began to boil only after Airbus received orders for 96 airliners from 5 airlines in Europe and the United States. The first A320 was unveiled to the public in 1987 in a colorful ceremony attended by high-profile politicians and celebrities. On February 22, 1987, the plane took off for the first time. A year later, the A320 received a type certificate from aviation authorities Europe (at that time this organization was called JAA - Joint Aviation Authorities). Deliveries began at the same time to the first customer, Air France.

As of 2009, the complete production process for one A320 took about 8 months. The aircraft are assembled at production sites in Toulouse, France, Hamburg, Germany, Tianjin, China and Alabama, USA. Dimensional parts of most aircraft are transported by transports. At the beginning of 2017, Airbus produces about 50 aircraft of this model monthly.

The Airbus A320 is the most popular European aircraft. Skyships channel video

Design

A twin-engine low-wing aircraft with a swept wing, single-fin vertical tail, with turbofan engines located under the wing.

A feature of the Airbus A320 is an advanced cockpit and fly-by-wire control system (and this is in the 80s). Instead of mechanical dial gauges, information about the position of the aircraft and the state of its engines and auxiliary systems were displayed on six electron-beam screens that occupy most of the dashboard. In addition, the classic aircraft steering wheels have been replaced with side sticks. The control system is electronic - the effects on the controls are processed and transmitted to the engines and hydraulics through a computer.

Modifications

The first major modification of the base aircraft was the A321, also known as the A320 Stretched, A320-500 and A325. Development of this version began in 1988 after receiving orders for 183 units from 10 airlines. The new aircraft practically did not differ from the base A320, except for the lengthening of the fuselage and minor changes in the wing design (double-slotted flaps and other tips with an increase in wing area by 4 sq. M.). The fuselage was lengthened by 6.94 meters. Due to the lengthening of the passenger compartment, we also had to add two exits in the central part. The maximum take-off weight has increased by 9.6 tons.

Production of the new version was established at the Hamburg plant, while the base A320 was produced in Toulouse. The A321 made its maiden flight in 1993. Two aircraft took part in the tests: one was equipped with CFM56 engines, the second with IAE V2500 engines.

The second version of the A320 was the reverse modification - the shorter A319. Like the rest of the versions, it was created according to the concept of a 130-140-seater aircraft, once known as the SA1. It was the smallest aircraft ever built by Airbus and was initially skeptical of the consortium, holding it only as an A320M-7 project, where "-7" meant A320 minus 7 fuselage sections. However, the success of the 320 and 321 models, it was decided to put this version into production, making it direct competitors to the junior Boeing /. 4 sections in front of the wing and 3 sections behind the wing were removed, which shortened the fuselage by 3.73 meters. The number of escape hatches above the wing was also reduced from 4 to 2. Lightweight aircraft did not need high thrust and the engines were somewhat derated.

The production of the aircraft was launched at a plant in Hamburg, in the same place where the A321 was made. The aircraft made its first flight in 1995 and a year later the first A319s were transferred to the Swissair fleet. In 1997, the A319 broke the range record in its class, flying from Hamburg to Winnipeg, Canada - 6,645 kilometers non-stop.

A318

The A318 aircraft was created in the mid-1990s in the process of joint work of the Chinese AVIC, Singapore STA, Italian Alenia and Airbus. The aim of the AE31X project was a small 95- to 125-seat aircraft or two aircraft of these capacities. The aircraft was powered by DFM56, P&W PW6000 and Rolls-Royce BR715 engines.

In the end, it was decided to use the A320 as the base. Work on a completely new aircraft was canceled in 1998. Work continued in the early 2000s. Ironically, Airbus was developing the smallest aircraft in the lineup, the A318, and the largest aircraft in the lineup, at the same time. The aircraft took off for the first time in 2002 and in 2003 it began to be supplied to customers.

A320 E Enhanced family(improved family)

A320 Enhanced family is the result of large-scale work on modernization of all models of the family's liners. Improvements affected a number of engine systems, aerodynamics (new wingtips - sharklets), weight reduction and passenger compartment design (ergonomics, LED lighting, touchscreen displays for passengers, etc.). The updated A320 series began shipping in 2007.

A320 NEO New Engine Option

A320NEO is a logical continuation of a series of family upgrades and the largest part of it. The improvement of these aircraft became a necessity caused by the appearance of new airliners of a similar class: Canadian, Russian and Chinese. Unlike the improvements in the Enhanced family series, the NEO modification meant a remotorization of aircraft with their equipment with the most advanced this moment engines in this class: CFM LEAP-1A and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. These engines are 14-16% more economical than their predecessors, and this made it possible to increase the payload mass by 2 tons or, by pouring more fuel, to increase the range by 950 km.

Scheme of the Airbus cabin A320

Airbus A320 is a passenger aircraft designed for short and medium-haul flights. The passenger cabin can accommodate from 150 to 180 passengers, depending on the specific modification and the selected layout of the passenger compartment.
The passenger compartment has two classes: business class and economy class. In business class, passengers are seated in seats for 4 people in a row. There is one central passage for passengers to move around the cabin during the flight. Due to this, the most comfortable flight conditions for passengers of this class are achieved. Economy class differs in that there are 6 seats in each row. There is also one central aisle, which has a slightly smaller width compared to the business class. However, it is quite enough for passengers and flight attendants to move freely and freely around the cabin. The final number of seats in each cabin depends on the selected cabin layout.

The most modern materials are used for the interior decoration. After 2000, a wide modernization of existing aircraft and the creation of new ones, taking into account the latest developments, began. As a result of these innovations, the passenger compartment has become significantly more spacious. Shelves for carry-on luggage have been increased.
There are two types of lighting in the passenger compartment: the main one, which illuminates the entire passenger compartment, and the individual one, located above each passenger. The brightness of the main lighting can be changed to any value in the range from 0 to 100% of its power. Individual lighting made on the basis of LEDs also has great possibilities for regulation.

Airbus A320 is the second most popular aircraft of this class in the world, second only to Boeing 737... Exactly Airbus A320 is the ancestor of a whole generation of various aircraft.

Airbus A320 at a glance

Airbus A320 is the second most popular passenger jet in the world. This aircraft is designed to carry up to 180 passengers over short or medium distances. The aircraft has a low-wing design with a pair of engines mounted on pylons under the wing. The fuselage is made according to the semi-monocoque scheme. The chassis is a classic tricycle, the main supports are rear.

Airbus A320 laid the foundation for a whole line of models that were developed in different years taking into account various requirements. The history of the creation of this aircraft began after the success of the model Airbus A300... As a result, a consortium of European aircraft manufacturers Airbus S.A.S. decided to create a new aircraft. He had to successfully compete with the popular at that time Boeing 727 and Boeing 737... However, to increase economic efficiency, the aircraft had to have a more advanced control complex.

To date, the total number of ordered aircraft is 6.5 thousand copies. At the same time, about 4 thousand boards were produced. As of August 28, 2008, 3945 copies were in operation.

At the same time, the aircraft are currently being assembled at two factories: in Toulouse and in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. Initially all Airbus A320 were assembled at the plant in Toulouse, the rest of the models were assembled at both factories. However, in order to implement the economic recovery of production, since 2007, production Airbus A320 the same was done in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. In addition, the assembly of aircraft Airbus A320 was established in the People's Republic of China. It is planned that the plant in China from 2011 will produce 4 sides every month.

The history of the creation of the Airbus A320

Official flight history Airbus A320 started at the end of February 1987. The first aircraft of this model were powered by CFM56-5A1 engines. The aircraft quickly passed all tests and certification. In Europe, he was certified at the end of February 1988, and in December of the same year he was certified in the United States. The first customer of the new aircraft was the company Air france, which received the first board in March 1988.
The new aircraft has a number of fundamental design differences that sharply distinguish this model from its analogues in the world:

• The most important difference is the fly-by-wire flight control system. As a result of the application, in principle new scheme controls the classic steering columns have been replaced by side control sticks. The pilot does not directly influence the controls. All movements of the handle by means of electrical wiring are transmitted to the control mechanisms, which have the necessary effect. It was on the A320 that such a system was used for the first time.
• The second cardinal difference of this aircraft from its competitors is the use of an advanced cockpit in terms of its equipment. In the late 80s, the decision to abandon the use of pointer instruments, and replace them with ray displays, was revolutionary. Subsequently, these displays were replaced by LCD monitors. As a result of this innovation, piloting an aircraft has become much easier.
• Another unique feature of this aircraft is the horizontal tail. It is on Airbus A320 for the first time, a horizontal tail was used, completely made of composite materials.

Generally, in Airbus A320 used revolutionary a large number of composite materials. Their total mass is approximately 20% of the total mass of a dry aircraft. The main composites are fiber reinforced plastic and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Various honeycomb cores are also widely used. The vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the horizontal tail are made entirely of these materials. Almost all wing mechanization and all non-load-bearing structural elements also consist of composite materials.

If we consider the less revolutionary, but no less important differences, then here we can mention the number of doors for various purposes. On the Airbus A320 there are 4 passenger entrances and 4 more emergency exits.

Airbus A320 Specifications

Length - 37.57 m.
Wingspan - 34.10 m.
The fuselage diameter is 3.96 m.
Passenger capacity - from 150 to 180
The maximum take-off weight is 77,000 kg.
Cruising flight speed - 840 km / h
Flight range - up to 5700 km.

This aircraft belongs to the type of narrow fuselage mods. It was released in 1988, and has proven itself positively at short and medium distances.

Aircraft characteristics

The Airbus A320 was equipped with the latest technology in the 1980s, especially the cockpit and fly by wire control systems. Gone are the dial gauges, in their place came electronic ones that occupy almost the entire dashboard. The steering wheels were replaced by side handles, the movements of which are processed by on-board computers and only then the steering surfaces are activated. The automation of the aircraft made it possible to operate with the help of a crew of only two pilots.

The A320 differs from other airliners of this type due to the fact that the cabin is more spacious and the cargo capacity is increased.

After 2000, the following innovations were used on all models:

• information panel with touchscreen LED-display;
• lighting over each chair, adjusting its brightness from 0 to 100%;
• LCD instrument panels in the cockpit.

The plane's computer shell has also been completely redesigned. All this makes the Airbus A320 very popular all over the world and one of the most ordered models.

Composite materials make up about 20% of the A320's structure, which reduces its maximum takeoff weight and contributes to significant fuel savings through improved aerodynamics.

The aircraft is equipped with digital avionics, consisting of 6 displays. It displays all the necessary information about the operation of aircraft systems and warning of failures, as well as navigation.

Where is it produced?

Until 2008, the assembly of the aircraft was carried out only in France, but due to the high demand for the model, production was opened in Germany. In addition, a production line was opened in the PRC, and it produces 4 aircraft per month. All aircraft components are transported on the A300-600ST aircraft.

In the plans Airbus S.A.S - Increase the number of aircraft produced to 42 per month. Most orders are made by leasing and Asian companies, where it is most popular and in demand.

Development of the aircraft began in 1984, and in 1988 Air France received a new aircraft. The A320 can accommodate up to 180 passengers and cover a distance of up to 6,000 km. The main competitors of the aircraft are Boeing 737 and Bombardier CS 300. Domestic Tu-154 is not a competitor due to high fuel consumption. Tu-204 - comparable in performance, but produced in a limited volume. A new generation of Airbus is already in production and is called the neo prefix.

Among domestic carriers, this type of aircraft is operated by the low-cost airline Rossiya. There are several A320s in its park. The Airbus A 321 is already widely used.

The best seats on board

The seats in the A320 can be arranged in several options. But each modification is as convenient as possible for passengers. All aircraft are designed in two classes. There can be the following variations for the rows: 4, 5, 6 seats. The business class is arranged according to the 2 + 2 scheme. It is for him that the first 5 rows are allocated.

The seat backs do not recline here, but there are steps for the legs. The last row is adjacent to the general economy class cabin. As for him, these are seats from the 6th to the 25th row. Everything is pretty monotonous here, although there are also improved seats that are purchased for an additional fee. However, for them, the passenger must necessarily meet certain requirements of the company.

At Aeroflot Airlines

А320 of Aeroflot company - the best seats are located in the 6th, 9th and 10th rows of the economy. Row 6 does not have folded backs in the front, but you will receive food first and receive a cradle for a small child. The downside is little legroom.

Row 9 has plenty of legroom, but the backrests recline in front.

The tenth row is the best in economy, but not everyone can be put here because of the proximity of the emergency exit.

In the company "S7"

The company has a fleet of 18 A320 airliners of two class modifications. There are 8 seats for business class and 150 for economy class.

There is a lot of free space in the 1st row of the business class, but the partition from the cockpit will cause some discomfort. The third row is already of economy class, it is also located at the partition, but there is no one in front, and for the legs, there is a certain freedom.

Some of the best seats are in the 11th row. The seats are comfortable, the legs can be extended and the backrest can be easily reclined. The only restriction is that you cannot put on the passage carry-on luggage so as not to obstruct the emergency exit.

At Ural Airlines

The Ural Airlines fleet includes 23 A320 aircraft. There are also two class layouts - 12 business class seats and 144 economy class seats.

Rows 1 to 3 - business class. Regardless of the partition or proximity to the economy, these are convenient places.

The fourth row is already an economy class. Here the partition is far enough away and there is legroom. The tenth row has more space for the seats in front, but the backrests cannot recline.

The best seats in Economy Class are in the 11th row. There is also legroom and the backrest reclines back.

At the airline "Red Wings"

The company's aircraft fleet includes several А321 - new aircraft from the А320 family. There are 220 passenger seats, which are also divided into classes.

From the first to the seventh row - business class. As a standard, these are the most comfortable seats in the entire aircraft.

The eighth row is the best of the economy class. Large selection of food and drinks. There is space in the front.

The seats of the twentieth row have increased comfort. There is also a lot of free space here.

Airline "Yamal"

Yamal Airlines has eight A320-type airliners. All of them are made in two class versions and have 8 business class and 156 economy class seats.


The first two rows are occupied by the usual business class. Preference can still be given to the first one, where you can freely stretch your legs. The second row is closer to Economy Class and is not suitable for a quiet and relaxing flight.

The economy class third row also features legroom.

As a standard for such an arrangement, the best seats are in row 11, they are best in economy class for both comfort and free space.

Cockpit

The pilot compartment is very comfortable and ergonomic. All the space is used to the maximum. By replacing the steering wheel with a control handle, there is a place for tables with documentation. Unlike its competitor, the Boeing 737, everything is ordered here and is in its place.

Summarizing all of the above about the Airbus A320, we get a good medium and short-range aircraft. The salon is comfortable and has a number of significant advantages over competitors. The design itself and the electronic filling are still being successfully modernized and meets the latest requirements of technical progress. The economy and low noise level of the engines make it more profitable to use.

We hope that we have helped to understand the intricacies of choosing a seat, which directly affects the comfort of the flight. After all, this is a rather important component of work or, on the contrary, a beginning vacation. Pleasant flight!