The most powerful passenger aircraft. Passenger aircraft, which are the largest: dimensions and capacity

To increase the efficiency of flights by reducing the cost of services, the largest passenger aircraft in the world, accommodating several hundred people, are called upon. giant liners superior comfort, are able to cover huge distances without refueling, thanks to the large fuel tanks. The high load capacity makes it possible to transport a large amount of luggage.

The model replaced the outdated version of the A300, which consumed too much fuel and had a small capacity. The new modification is capable of simultaneously lifting 295 people into the air, and is categorized wide-body airliners. The length of the car reaches 59 meters, and its width is 63 meters. The maximum flight range with a full load does not exceed 10,500 m. The cruising speed reaches 870 km/h. Maximum takeoff weight 233 tons, and a wingspan of 60.3 meters. Fuel tanks are designed for 97,000 liters of fuel.

Of course, not the largest passenger aircraft in the world, but one of the most sought-after airliners from airlines. Operation began in 1995, the machine has proven to be highly reliable. Modification 777-200LR, capable of performing the longest non-stop flights. It was this model that was first developed without the use of traditional paper drawings, but only with the use of 3D computer graphics. The airliner is capable of overcoming 17,000 km without landing at a cruising speed of 905 km/h. The car simultaneously transports 301 passengers, and its wingspan is 64.8 meters.

The upgraded version rightfully entered the rating of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, thanks to the ability to carry up to 467 people. The airliner covers a maximum distance of 15,000 km and is in fact considered the longest aircraft on Earth. The machine differs from its worthy predecessors in an elongated fuselage. Engineers installed new motors, wings and an onboard system. The set of updates made it possible to make the liner much quieter and more economical. international name new version- Intercontinental.

One of the largest passenger aircraft in the world began to operate in 2002. The modification differs from its predecessor in larger fuel tanks and motors with increased power. Serial production of the model was stopped in 2011, in total the company produced 97 such liners. The wingspan is 63.5 m, and the maximum capacity reaches 440 seats. The airliner is capable of overcoming 14,800 km without refueling, moving luggage and passengers with a total weight of 373 tons. The area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe giant's wings is 437 meters. Despite being discontinued, the cars continue to successfully carry passengers around the world.

Hit the list of the largest passenger aircraft in the world and Boeing 777-300ER. The airliner is recognized as the largest aircraft with 2 engines designed for civil aviation. The modification differs from the previous version 777-200 in a longer fuselage, which allows accommodating up to 550 passengers in the cabin. Version 777-300ER is not considered basic and has been in operation since 2004. The advantage of the model lies in the increased flight range. Moving at a cruising speed of 905 km/h, the vehicle is capable of covering 14,600 km without additional refueling, carrying up to 68,500 tons of commercial cargo.

It turned out to be in the ranking of the largest passenger aircraft in the world and a military copy capable of transporting both people and cargo. The liner is capable of transporting 270 military personnel and can be equipped with standard passenger seats - 75 units. Carry the car to the category of giants, allowed its impressive size. The aircraft is 75.5 meters long and 68 meters wide. The aircraft can cover 5,600 km without refueling at a speed of 920 km/h. Max Height, recruited by a giant, reaches 10 km.

Russian "Ruslan" is rightfully considered one of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, because its wingspan reaches 73 meters, and its length is 69 meters. The machine stands out colossal cargo compartment, reaching a volume of 1050 m 3. The maximum range of the liner does not exceed 7,500 km, and its cruising speed is 850 km/h. The machine is mainly used for the transport of goods, but is capable of transporting military personnel. The total carrying capacity of the modification reaches 120 tons. The flight resource does not exceed 45 years.

Since 2007, the largest passenger aircraft in the world has been considered the Airbus A380, first bought by Singapore Airlines. The airliner flies all over the world and has an incredible level of comfort. The car is capable of transporting 555 people, but if desired, the number of passengers is increased to 700. The double-deck cabin is equipped with sleeping cabins, there are also recreation areas, there are spiral staircases and comfortable bars. The wingspan of the aircraft is 80 meters, and the area reaches 845 m 2. Only 4 Rolls-Royce engines can lift a car into the air.

Historically, the largest passenger aircraft in the world was recognized in 1947 by the Hughes H-4 Hercules. The model stood out with a fantastic wingspan of up to 98 meters, due to which the modification was recognized as the most wide-body. Two machines of this type were made, but only one now exists. The car moved 750 troops and is now in the Long Beach Museum Fund, where it was moved in 1993. Large quantity passengers have not been transported by any aircraft in history.

Perhaps the largest passenger aircraft in the world this moment- This is Mriya. Initially, the project was developed as a cargo one and was used in the transportation of the Buran spacecraft. Subsequently, the Ukrainian company "Antonov" adapted the vessel to commercial needs. The wingspan of the giant is 88 m, and its length reaches 73 meters. The airliner set several records for carrying capacity. Now it exists in a single copy and is operated by Antonov Airlines. The airliner has proven itself reliably in practice.

There are a huge number of different airliners in the world, but the Airbus A380-800 is the aircraft that is really worth paying attention to. There are not very many such liners on the planet. The fact is that this is the largest passenger wide-body aircraft equipped with two decks. Let's consider what specifications The A380 has, and also, what is the layout of the cabin of the A380 aircraft.

In order to understand how large and roomy the Emirates A380 is, you need to understand in detail its technical characteristics. Let's start with how much the Airbus A380 weighs. So the mass aircraft like this:

  • without passengers - 276 thousand kg;
  • without passengers and fuel - 361 thousand kg;

As for other parameters, the capacity of the Airbus A380 is 853 people in a one-class model and 525 passengers in a three-class cabin. The length of the aircraft is 72.7 meters, the height is 24 meters, and the wingspan is 79 meters.

Extra options:

  • wing area - 844 m 2;
  • takeoff run - 2000 m;
  • run length - 3000 m;
  • the path that can overcome - 15,000 km, subject to full load;
  • fuel tank capacity - 310 thousand liters.

This airliner has a special cockpit for pilots, where the most modern technologies. The A380 is equipped with a glass cockpit and remote rudder control for electric operation. As for the devices on which the data is displayed, this aircraft has 9 interchangeable LCD screens, of which:

  • 2 are for navigation data;
  • 2 main for flight information;
  • 2 indicators of functioning of fuel units;
  • 2 - multifunctional;
  • 1 main, which shows general information.

If we talk about motors, they are heavy-duty and modern. As fuel, mixtures of aviation kerosene with GTL from environmentally friendly clean gas. And in the design this aircraft composite materials are used. Weldable aluminum alloys are also used.

Detailed scheme Airbus aircraft A380-800

As for the noise level, the operation of the engines is almost inaudible in the Emirates A380. This greatly exalts him against the background of the Boeing 747. The airliner also has high air pressure, which is another of its features. Both decks are connected by a comfortable and spacious staircase. Although it is not easy for passengers whose seats are located near this staircase, it is very difficult to fall asleep under the condition of constant walking. But some still buy tickets for them.

The width of the cabin is 5.9-6.5 m. In the one-class version, passengers are offered 700 seats, and in the three-class version - 555 seats. There is also a shower, lounge, bar and shop on board. Let's take a closer look at what the layout of the cabin of this aircraft, as well as what best places for long distance travel.

Airbus A380-800 Emirates: cabin layout

Thanks to the photo of the Airbus A380 cabin attached to this article, you can see how the passenger seats. The ship has two floors in total. On the 2nd there are places for tourists of the first and business classes. The 1st floor is designed for those who fly in economy class. First class is very comfortable. Even those passengers who are hard to endure the flight, getting this class, will be able to relax and forget about their poor health.

Rows 1-4 are just used for the first class. There, everyone can reach their destination in comfort, because everyone is placed in a separate compartment with a door, so you can completely retire. Also, travelers have comfortable chairs that can fold out 180 degrees, thus transforming into a bed. In addition, the first-class cabin has free Internet access, sockets for recharging mobile gadgets, a mini-bar and, of course, individual lighting, which allows you to read books, magazines, newspapers.

Those who order food in advance have the opportunity to have a hearty lunch or dinner with gourmet dishes, as well as enjoy cold or warm drinks. Among other things, there is a shower where you can freshen up. First class is like a real five-star all-inclusive hotel. In such comfort, the flight goes unnoticed. Moreover, there are places where it is especially convenient to stay. You need to know about this if you want to get to the most comfortable right place. So, the most convenient places are farther from the kitchen and the toilet, as it is always quiet, calm and comfortable there: it is there that you can read books, listen to music or chat via e-mail.

Travelers who have chosen business class are placed on rows 6-26. These places are also distinguished by special comfort. If you want to easily and discreetly make a flight, then business class is a very suitable option. The only thing, it is undesirable to occupy rows 7, 20, 21 and 23, since then you will have to sit near the toilets, bar and kitchen. There are always a lot of people near these premises, and activity does not decrease even at night, which is why it is unlikely that you will be able to fully relax. The rest of the places are distinguished by increased comfort and have all the necessary amenities. Passengers can charge their gadgets, watch movies on them, play video games, chat on social networks and much more thanks to Internet access.

Economy class is an option for those who want to save on flights. For such passengers, there are as many as 399 seats in rows 43-88. Of course, it is difficult to call them comfortable. However, all these places have outlets for charging electronic devices, a separate screen and a video and audio entertainment system. However, those who want to get to the desired place in silence will have to get used to some noise, passenger activity and conversations. But on the other hand, for a special fee, it is possible to connect to the Internet, turn on loud music, put on headphones and “go crazy” until the very arrival. Rows are 80 cm apart.

Salon scheme

Airbus A380-800 cabin layout: the best seats in economy class

Speaking of which are the most convenient places here, these are places in rows 45, 54 and 82. 45th row is different extra bed for legs, which allows for a more comfortable ride. This advantage is especially noticeable if the flight is long. The 54th row also allows you to freely stretch your legs, lean back in your chair, and there is also a kitchen and no restroom, so that unpleasant odors are not as noticeable as on the 67th row. Row 82 is reminiscent of row 45, as there is an opportunity to stretch your legs and visit the galley.

As for other places, the 43rd row is considered one of the most comfortable, but due to the fact that the seats do not recline there and the armrests are blocked, it is not included in the list of the most comfortable. Also, the conversations of flight attendants and their walking are constantly heard there, because there is a room for flight attendants nearby.

The 50th row is located near the emergency exit block. If you are afraid of flying, then the seats in this row are just for you. In the event of a crash, you will have the opportunity to be the first to leave the emergency aircraft. However, the chairs there are not very comfortable, as they do not recline. Passengers in the 51st row are also limited in this ability. That is why the 50th and 51st rows can be safely called the most uncomfortable, since a sitting position for 4-5 hours causes great discomfort. Also uncomfortable places in the 55th row due to the lack of free legroom.

Some disadvantages are present in rows such as 78, 79, 65 and 66. They are located near the toilets, and the chairs are not equipped with reclining backs.

Thus, getting to such places is extremely inconvenient, especially since unpleasant odors and constant queues in the toilet interfere with rest. Seats in row 67 are suitable for those who travel together. The fact is that there are only two chairs in a row, and it is also possible to recline your legs and straighten your knees. However, there is also a minus - the close location of the latrines, which makes it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

One of the not very convenient places is in the 87th row, because there are also latrines nearby. The places in the 88th row are restless due to non-reclining backs, stairs and a toilet, which do not allow you to fully relax. That is why you should not buy tickets for these places. But on the other hand, they are cheaper, so they are chosen by adherents of budget transportation.

Seat parameters in the cabin

If you go deeper into the numbers, there are 12 seats in first class, 66 in business class, and 399 in economy class. Seat spacing is 83 inches in first class, 74.5 inches in business and 32 inches in economy. Other data:

  1. First grade. The monitor has an HD extension.
  2. Business Class. Monitor 15.6 inches.
  3. Economic class. Monitor 11 inches.

So, we examined in detail the layout of the cabin of the A380 aircraft. Obviously, this is a very spacious and comfortable liner, on which you can quickly and comfortably fly to your destination. Now let's figure out what people who have already flown on this plane think about the conditions in the Airbus cabin.

Salon Airbus A380-800

Advantages and disadvantages of A380-800

As we have already found out, this aircraft is very spacious and large-scale. No wonder, because it is the largest aircraft in the world. It was specially created so that it could carry a large number of passengers. We can safely say that the Airbus A380 returned the romance of flight and excitement to seasoned travelers. Anyone who has flown this air transport, will confirm that it has its own characteristics and flies to the most favorite places of tourists, namely to London, Los Angeles, Paris, New York, Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Beijing, etc. It is thanks to this geography that passengers give back preference for this aircraft, regularly flying on it. IN holiday season especially frequent flights on this Airbus.

Speaking about the advantages of the A380, it is necessary to note its spaciousness and spaciousness. It also takes off easily and lands just as easily. Flying over the mountains or the sea, the vibrations are almost imperceptible. Moreover, the salons are equipped with wide and comfortable chairs. This is especially noticeable in those places where there are armrests, a folding backrest and legroom. In addition, passengers note that the salons are always very clean and comfortable. All maneuvers in the air are easy and pleasant.

Also, many travelers note that there are very tasty lunches and breakfasts on board, and flight attendants are always friendly and polite. I must say that not every aircraft has such good conditions for passengers. Many passengers refer to the A380 as an airship whose conditions are comparable to the best car brands.

Summing up, it must be said that the Airbus A380-800 is a powerful aircraft in which everything is thought out to the smallest detail so that passengers can fly in comfort. Those who want to fly in comfort choose business class. There you can not only sleep, but also surf the Internet, reading e-books, listening to music and watching videos. It is very important to choose seats in time so that you can relax on the plane.

You can buy tickets both at the box office and through the official website of the airline that operates the flight. After reviewing the above information, you can decide in advance which place is better and make a purchase. In general, we got acquainted with the technical characteristics of the A380, and the photos of the A380 will allow us to visually assess the capabilities of this aircraft. Today, many people prefer to fly on it, as compared to other liners, it is one of the most convenient and comfortable. That is why, if you want to get to your desired destination in comfort resort place, then choose the A380, because it was specially created for large passenger traffic.

In contact with

Modern man cannot imagine his existence without aircraft. To date, more than two thousand aircraft have been designed, which have their own characteristics and purpose. They differ in size, functionality and provision. The difference is striking. If we compare a small aircraft designed for one pilot and a passenger airliner, then the first one will seem like just a speck of dust against the background of the second. The largest Boeing in the world today is the Boeing 747.

Boeing 747 is the first large passenger aircraft, which is popular all over the world. Pilots and passengers even come up with different nicknames for it, for almost 40 years the Boeing 747 has been a record holder among passenger traffic. To date, he has one record left - this is the maximum length for an aircraft. For the first time Boeing 747 saw the light in 1969, from that time its history began. Specialists and designers, to this day design and improve this model.

Background of the Boeing 747

In the early 1960s, as the world began to develop rapidly in terms of trade, large, large-scale air travel was needed. The predecessor of the Boeing 747, the Boeing 707, could no longer handle the volume of traffic. The flow of those wishing to fly quickly and comfortably increased every day, Boeing designers began to develop an analogue.

Joe Sutter in 1965 was the main developer who explored the consumer market as much as possible. After doing research, he was a senior designer who was in charge of the Boeing 747. In those years, they did not rely on Passenger Transportation, inventors dreamed of sonic planes. Therefore, from the very beginning, the Boeing 747 was a cargo aircraft and only then a cargo-passenger one. The designers developed all the aircraft as cargo, and this is what they did bias. They freed up space to the maximum, and even moved the cockpits to accommodate more cargo.

In 1966, Boeing designers first showed a mock-up of the new aircraft, marked 747. In its original form, the aircraft had two decks, but many problems arose with this design. Soon an option was proposed: to make it in the form of a capsule, increasing the sides. After the final version was presented, an order was received for the production of a Boeing 747 from PanAm in the amount of 25 pieces.

This company made some changes in the design of the aircraft, thanks to it the length of the wings, the chassis design was changed, it was also decided to increase the weight to 308443 kilograms.

Main characteristics

The Boeing 747 has four jet-powered engines, an interesting body and large dimensions. The key enhancements make the Boeing stand out from other aircraft, and it is undeniably the world's top hauler and most sought-after aircraft today. Some highlights worth highlighting:

  • Improved aerodynamics.
  • New solutions allow to reduce the inductive resistance.
  • Changed internal design, comfortable cabin for the crew and comfortable lounge for passengers.

One of the notable improvements of this aircraft are the wings, which have changed in size and become more functional. After a series of changes, the wings were up to 6 feet high, the aerodynamic surface was slightly turned up and protruded outward. After all the innovations, the duration of flights has increased, and the consumption of fuel material has decreased. In connection with such savings, Boeing reduced fuel consumption by up to 4%. If you calculate the total amount for all the time, you get a huge amount. Boeing 747 is the fastest passenger aircraft, the speed of which can reach 940 km/h.

Specifications

The Boeing 747 is much more spacious than its counterparts due to the modified deck. These innovations make it possible to accommodate 1,075 passengers, while at the same time comfort is at a high level in both business class and economy class. Today, the cockpit has also completely changed: all instruments have been replaced with new digital elements, which has reduced the number of pilots to two people, and simplified the control of the aircraft. All important information displayed on the LCD screen.

On board the aircraft, for ease of movement, straight stairs were designed, rather than spiral ones, which made movement as easy as possible.

The cabin of the aircraft has also changed. Now passengers had more free space, which made flights more comfortable. Shelves for luggage and personal belongings have been increased in volume. In addition, special broadcasting systems were installed on board the aircraft for watching films and videos.

Due to the fact that the upper deck was lengthened, several additional exits were installed on it. The details of the new Boeing are updated engines well-known manufacturers, different good quality and endurance. Thanks to this, we received a Boeing with a maximum speed of 940 km / h and a mass of 350 tons.

Boeing 747 technical data:

  • The total length of the aircraft is 70.7 meters.
  • The height of the aircraft is 19.5 meters.
  • Wingspan - 120 meters.
  • The width of the cabin for passengers is 6 meters.
  • Wing area - 1022 sq.m.
  • Speed ​​- 940 km / h.
  • Flight range - 12500 km.
  • Weight without passengers - 175,000 kg.
  • The height inside the aircraft is 13755 m.

For the economy class, 580 are provided seats. The aircraft crew consisted of two pilots and one engineer. In connection with the popularity of the model, a Boeing was invented for cargo transportation and a passenger Boeing, but with a shorter flight duration.

The purpose of the Boeing 747

From the beginning of the production of the Boeing, carrier companies treated the airliner with distrust. At the same time, some organizations began to develop smaller aircraft with three engines. Many believed that they would be able to oust the Boeing, because the large dimensions of the Boeing called into question its efficiency on long-haul routes. Also, due to the large dimensions, the infrastructure of some airports could not match the record holder. Of course, passenger transportation companies were concerned about the high fuel consumption that the Boeing required to fly. Some airlines immediately refused to purchase the aircraft, fearing an increase in ticket prices due to high fuel consumption.

Boeing 747 - king in the sky

The concerns of companies about this were justified, because in 1970, during the fuel crisis, fuel prices skyrocketed. As a result, passenger traffic has been reduced as much as possible. Boeing 747 went on flights half empty. Some airlines went to the trick: it was decided to remove several rows of passenger seats and install bars and musical instruments in the hope of attracting in this way as much as possible more passengers. But, as practice has shown, this was not enough. Many of the airlines converted aircraft into cargo or resold them to other owners.

IN populated countries Today, the Boeing 747 is used on short flights or in high-demand destinations. Of course, the Boeing 747 is still used for long flights. The largest number Boeing was in the national company of Japan, namely 73 pieces. At the moment, all equipment is decommissioned, and last flight Boeing took place in March 2011.

In Russia, the Boeing 747 was operated by the largest private airline, Transaero, which ceased operations in 2015, and the largest cargo carrier, AirBridgeCargo.

Airbus A380 is the largest aircraft in the world. More precisely, a passenger plane.

The height of this giant is 24 meters (~ 8th floor of a residential building), the length and wingspan are almost 80 meters each. On 2 decks in the cabin of three classes, 525 passengers are freely accommodated, in a single-class configuration - 853!

The development of the Airbus A380 spent 12 billion euros. It can make non-stop flights over a distance of up to 15,400 km, and the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is amazing - 560 tons.

welcome aboard the largest passenger aircraft in the world!

At the beginning of October, another dream related to aviation came true. Airline Lufthansa invited on a press tour to show one of her new Airbus aircraft A380. The demonstration flight took place as part of the promotional campaign for the A380 show in European capitals.

It was possible not only to board the scheduled A380, but also to make a circular trip on a giant plane on the route Frankfurt - Prague - Budapest - Frankfurt, to stay with the pilots in the cockpit and film the work of the pilots during takeoff, flight and landing.

In ordinary life, these giants will not land at any such airport, so many people were waiting for the arrival of the A380 in the capitals of the Czech Republic and Hungary. Looking ahead, I will say that I did not even expect such solemn meetings and such a large number of spectators.

"Our" A380 had just arrived from Johannesburg and while the cleaning team was putting the salons in order. At this time, the co-pilot walked with a flashlight and examined the engine blades:

The sun came up, it was time for us to fly:

The first floor of the aircraft modification A380-800- these are three economy class cabins for 420 passengers. In total, such an A380 takes on board 526 passengers. By the end of the year, Lufthansa will already have 8 of the 18 ordered aircraft of these aircraft. In aircraft and airport infrastructure, Maintenance, the company is investing about five billion euros in crew training.

passenger seats for the economy class "Lufthansa" was developed by the famous German company Recaro. To be honest, I didn’t really like them - the backs are too thin and any movement in front of the seated passenger affects the comfort of the seated one.

Well done design portholes. With their standard external dimension inside the aircraft, they look large due to the enlarged internal frame. This large oval gives the impression open space inside the salon.

The plane is very "quiet", the engines are almost inaudible. I was surprised by the short takeoff run - I followed the takeoff in Budapest, I thought that we would run for a long time along the runway, and the plane took off almost immediately.

The multimedia center with a 9″ screen is very good. In addition to the standard set with music, movies and games, the monitor displays a picture from three external cameras and full information about the flight. Seat spacing 79 cm, seat width 52 cm:

For the duration of the flight, the aircraft cabins were completely at our disposal - it was possible to walk everywhere, sit, lie down, press buttons, climb into all holes.

Standard sets for breakfast and lunch were demonstrated. Special thanks for the metal appliances in Lufthansa economy class, of course. It would be high time for Aeroflot to switch to them.

For the convenience of photographing, he asked the flight attendant to turn on full lighting in the cabins. Not much better, but still:

On the second floor- two business class lounges. They say that these seats do not really like the company's management and they will be changed. There are 98 of them here - incredible amount for an ordinary passenger liner. The set of options is standard for a modern business class - almost horizontal unfolding, individual light, socket and USB port for each:

Business class monitors size 10.6″, distance between chairs from 145 to 152 cm, seat width 67 cm:

Between the business class and first class cabins there is a huge vestibule with a kitchen and seats for flight attendants:

The subject of special pride of any serious airline - first class cabin. In the A380 Lufthansa, it is designed for eight passengers. Here everything is done practically, but without frills, like separate cabins. Eight chairs transforming into beds, each seat has a 17″ monitor. Seat spacing 213 cm, seat width 80 cm:

Lufthansa calls these chairs the best in their class:



Each first class passenger has his own wardrobe for clothes and belongings:

First class passengers have two such toilet rooms. There is no soul here, the Germans consider it superfluous, according to their experience, few people use a shower cabin during a flight.

A flight from Frankfurt to Tokyo and back will cost a first-class passenger 10,000 euros:

So we fly to Prague. They are already ready for the solemn meeting of the A380 megaliner:

Lufthansa chief pilot Werner Knorr:

The cockpit equipment resembles that installed in the A330 or A321 - in front of the pilots there is only a keyboard and a joystick on the side:

There are hundreds of people below, along the entire landing route - people are standing on the field, on the hillocks, on the roofs of houses:

I asked one of the Czech photographers at the airport to send me a couple of shots of our flight. Thank you Vojtech.

The cost of one A380 is $345 million.

To the right of the entrance to the cockpit is the crew cabin:

On the second floor you can climb two stairs - in front and behind the economy class:

A380 at Budapest Airport:

Creation and start of production of a double-deck wide-body aircraft Airbus liner The A380 ended the aircraft's undivided monopoly that had lasted for several decades. The machine is the largest passenger liner in the world.

Reliability and reduced operating costs provide a good demand for the machine, despite the high cost. The most expensive option was delivered to the king's family Saudi Arabia, and cost the customer 488 million US dollars.

History of creation

The beginning of work on a new large-sized airliner "Airbus" started in the late 80s. The aircraft was created as a competitor to the Boeing 747 airliner, which had monopolistically occupied the niche of such aircraft since the 70s. In parallel, a similar aircraft was developed by McDonnell Douglas Corporation, but its project was a failure.

The management of Boeing and Airbus was aware of the limitations of the aircraft market large capacity, therefore, in 1993, attempts were made to conclude a partnership agreement that allowed for the division of the market. In parallel, the development of projects that received the names "Airbus" 3XX and "Boeing" 747X.

For the Airbus machine, several variants of the fuselage were worked out, including the fuselage doubled in length from the model 340. The Boeing aircraft was supposed to be equipped with a fuselage with a nose increased in height.

The development of the Boeing project was halted in early 1997 due to the economic crisis V East Asia, which reduced the market for large-sized liners.

Airbus decided to continue developing the project, focusing on reducing operating costs while increasing capacity. It was then that a decision was made to use a double-deck fuselage, which provided maximum capacity aircraft.


The designation A380 appeared at the end of 2000, when the project was approved by the then management of Airbus. The assembly of the first aircraft began in 2002. A feature of the manufacture of the A380 aircraft was the use production capacity several dozen enterprises scattered throughout Europe.

The first flight of the Airbus A380 took place in the spring of 2005, and already in early 2006, the first test flight across the Atlantic Ocean was completed.

Fine-tuning the design and solving problems that arose with suppliers shifted the start of aircraft production to 2007, in which only one copy was commissioned. Actual deliveries did not begin until the following year, in which 12 A380s were assembled.

At the beginning of 2017, 207 Airbus A380 liners, which belong to twelve airlines, were in active operation. During the operation of the aircraft, several minor flight accidents were registered.

In particular, in the fall of 2017 on one of the liners Air company France, there was a separation of elements of the turbojet engine in flight. The cause of the accident was a manufacturing defect in the fan hub of the GP7200 engine.

Fuselage and cockpit

The fuselage of the Airbus A380-800 is equipped with two decks for passenger seats. Between the decks there are ladders located in the bow and tail of the passenger compartment. When arranging the stairs, it was possible to provide a width sufficient for the free movement of passengers towards each other.

Carbon fiber composites are widely used in the fuselage design.

The end section of the fuselage is entirely made of composite. A tail horizontal and vertical stabilizer is attached to it. Inside there is a service compartment and an auxiliary gas turbine unit with a generator.

In the forward part of the fuselage is the cockpit, equipped with two seats. To display data in the cockpit, liquid crystal monitors (the “glass cockpit” concept) are installed with a unified design that allows you to replace devices.


Pilots do not have a traditional steering wheel. The steering wheel is replaced by joysticks located on the outside of the seats. Joysticks are connected with electric drives controls. There are more than 100,000 wires in the cockpit connecting various electronic and electrical components.

There is a folding table with a keyboard in front of the pilots. Between the seats there are controls, including four throttle levers for controlling engine operating modes.

The Airbus A380 wing was created based on a take-off weight of at least 650 thousand kg, which is considered achievable on future versions.

In addition, this weight was planned for the cargo version of the A380-800F, which never went into production.

Engines

Depending on the modification, the Airbus A380 can be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or GP7200 family turbojet engines developed by Engine Alliance.


The GP7200 powerplant is a collection of components developed by several of the world's largest engine manufacturers. Both types of engines meet modern requirements for noise during takeoff and landing.

The table shows some characteristics of the engines.

ParameterTrent 900GP7200
TypeTurbofan three-shaftTurbofan twin-shaft
Combustion chamber typeSingleSingle with a reduced level of emission of harmful substances
Turbine designOne stage each for high and medium pressure, 5 stages for low pressureTwo stages of high pressure and 6-stage low
CompressorOne fan wheel, 8-stage medium pressure and 6-stage highFan, 5-stage low pressure and 9-stage high pressure
Length, mm5478 4920
Diameter, mm2950 3160
Weight, kg6246 6712
Takeoff thrust, kN310-340 311

To reduce the run distance, two engines have a thrust reverser (one under each wing). The engines use aviation kerosene as fuel.


Search work is underway to operate power plants using a mixture of kerosene and natural gas converted into liquid fuel. The fuel supply is located in 13 caisson tanks located in the wings and horizontal tail.

The fuel system has 41 pumps that constantly pump fuel between tanks to maintain centering and reduce drag.

Passenger compartment design

Sealed passenger compartment Airbus A380 aircraft has improved sound insulation. The width of the fuselage allows you to place 11 rows of passenger seats.

All places are connected to communication lines built on the basis of optical fiber.

Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is carried out through two doors located in the forward part of the fuselage on the lower deck.

First grade

Seats are located in the bow of the lower deck. There are 14 seats in total, 4 of them are located singly on the sides, the remaining 6 are placed in the central row in pairs. A feature of the first class seats is the possibility of folding into a full-fledged sleeping area.


At the beginning and at the end of the compartment there is a bathroom and a kitchenette. In addition, a shower unit is installed in the first class (not available on all Airbus A380s).

Business Class

Seats for business class passengers are located immediately behind the first class. The seats are arranged in eight rows at a sufficiently large distance from each other. The design of the chairs allows you to lay out the backs, forming a sleeping place.

In total there are 20 rows of seats, the total capacity of the business class cabin is 76 seats.

At the beginning and end of the salon there are mini-kitchens and a bathroom. There is a bar in the area of ​​the first emergency exit. Second emergency exit located closer to the tail of the Airbus A380 aircraft.

Economy class

The economy class seats on the Airbus A380 are located on upper deck in three rows. The side rows have three seats, the central row has four. There are two aisles between the rows. There are bathrooms in the bow, stern and middle parts.


The cabin is designed for 399 passengers. Passenger seats are equipped with an individual screen mounted in the back. The economy class cabin has two mini-kitchens and three bathrooms.

At emergency economy class passengers can leave the Airbus A380 cabin through 10 emergency exits.

It is possible to expand the economy class cabin to the second deck. In this case, the capacity of the Airbus A380 reaches a record 853 passengers.

Chassis

In the scheme for extending and retracting the landing gear on the Airbus A380, a combined drive is used - from hydraulic systems (duplicated) and from executive electric drives (also duplicated). Electric drives drive the chassis through hydraulic systems.


Thus, it was possible to install four independent control systems, which increased the safety of aircraft operation and reduced the risk of dangerous situations. Chassis niches are closed with chassis doors made of composite materials. The design of the valves is monolithic.

Flight performance compared to competitors

ParameterA380A380 PlusBoeing 747-8F
Wingspan, mm 79 800 68 450
Length, mm 73 000 76 250
Height, mm 24 100 19 350
Empty weight, kg 276 800 191 100
Maximum takeoff weight, kg560 000 578 000 442 000
Fuel reserve, l 325 000 -
Total takeoff thrust, kN1244-1360 At least 12441188
Maximum speed, km/h 1020 988
Cruise speed, km/hBefore 945908
Flight range, km15 200 15 756 14 100
Ceiling, m 13 115 13 000
Crew, people 2
Number of places, people853 933 581

prospects

In mid-2017, Airbus announced the creation of an improved A380 Plus machine. The main direction of improvements was to reduce the cost of the machine, which in theory should increase the demand for the aircraft.


At the same time, the redesigned cabins are designed to accommodate a record 933 passengers. Capacity has been improved due to a closer layout of the cabin and a reduction in the area of ​​service compartments.

Externally, the A380 Plus does not differ much from its predecessor - the main changes affected the design of the wing, which should have reduced drag.

Modified power plants Rolls-Royce and Engine Alliance have reduced fuel consumption and increased traction by 7%, but official data on them in open access No.

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