Airbus’ A350-1000 test aircraft MSN071 has accomplished fuel system and engine tests in Cardiff, Wales between 3 and 4 May as part of its type certification flight test campaign.
Fuel test engineers from Airbus’ site at Filton, Bristol, were on hand to sustain testing of the fuel systems that were designed in the UK. The goal of the test is to create operational conditions in hot countries and check how global fuel management system and engines behave with hot fuel (over 43°C).
The early results reveal that the fuel management system efficiently manages different fuel densities and temperatures, as well as fuel flow to engines and between tanks while airborne offering the best operational performance. The A350-1000 is prepared for hot conditions operations from Entry Into Service later this year.
The A350-1000, just as the -900, has an easy fuel system with only three tanks and fewer pumps and valves. Besides, it contributes to a 25 percent advantage in operating costs.
Fuel systems tests are important for all new aircraft and major modifications such as new engines. The aircraft was fuelled twice a day and then the flight test team performed a number of required engine and systems flight tests with hot fuel.
