Airbus A320

                               
Airbus A320 - Increased eco-efficiency, reduced noise

The Airbus A320 family consists of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus. The family includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, and the ACJ business jet. After the introduction of the A320neo, it is also named A320ceo (current engine option).Final assembly of the family in Europe takes place in Toulouse, France, and Hamburg, Germany.

The first member of the A320 family—the A320—was launched in March 1984, first flew on 22 February 1987, and was first delivered in 1988.The A320 family pioneered the use of digital fly-by-wire flight control systems, as well as side-stick controls, in commercial aircraft.On 1 December 2010, Airbus officially launched the new generation of the A320 family with the A320neo "New Engine Option".
The new generation offers a choice of the CFM International LEAP-X or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G, combined with airframe improvements and the addition of winglets, named Sharklets by Airbus. The aircraft will deliver fuel savings of up to 15%.
The A320 single-aisle jetliner  is the world’s most eco-efficient single-aisle product line. It is used in a full range of services from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, on operations from challenging in-city airports to high-altitude airfields and an Antarctic ice runway, and on VVIP and government missions with the most discerning passengers.

Origin:

A new programme was initiated, called Joint European Transport (JET). This was set up in June 1977, and was based at the then British Aerospace (formerly Vickers) site in Weybridge, Surrey, UK. Although the members were all of Airbus' partners, they regarded the project as a separate collaboration from Airbus. This project was considered the forerunner of Airbus A320, encompassing the 130- to 188-seat market.
The programme was later transferred to Airbus, leading up to the creation of the Single-Aisle (SA) studies in 1980, led by former leader of JET programme, Derek Brown. The group looked at three different variants, covering the 125- to 180-seat market, called SA1, SA2 and SA3.

Design Effort:

In February 1981, the project was re-designated A320,[21] with efforts focused on the former SA2. During the year, Airbus worked with Delta Air Lines on a 150-seat aircraft envisioned and required by the airline. The A320 would carry 150 passengers 1,860 nautical miles (3,440 km) using fuel from wing fuel tanks only.With the A320, Airbus made a controversial decision. 
For the first time, digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system would be incorporated into a commercial airliner although it was previously successfully proven on military fighter aircraft,[24] such as the Vought F-8 Crusader. Aside from associated reduction in weight and cost, this system would provide flight envelope protection.[25] The pilot, in essence, places inputs into the flight control computer, which interprets these actions and moves the flight control surfaces. 
The A320 series has two variants, the A320-100 and A320-200. Only 21 A320-100s were produced;[37] these aircraft, the first to be manufactured, were only delivered to Air Inter (later acquired by Air France) and British Airways (as a result of an order from British Caledonian Airways made prior to its acquisition by British Airways). Compared to the A320-100, the primary changes on A320-200 are wingtip fences and increased fuel capacity for increased range. 
Indian Airlines used their first 31 A320-200s with double-bogie main landing gear for airfields with poor runway condition which a single-bogie main gear couldn't manage. Typical range with 150 passengers for the A320-200 is about 3,300 nautical miles (6,150 km). It is powered by two CFMI CFM56-5s or IAE V2500s with thrust ratings between 113 to 120 kN (25,400 to 27,000 lbf). The lowest speed an A320 can fly is approximately 207 km/h.

SETTING THE SINGLE-AISLE STANDARDS:

Airbus launched its single-aisle product line with the A320, which continues to set industry standards for comfort and operating economy on short- to medium-haul routes. The A320’s advanced technology includes the extensive use of weight-saving composites, an optimised wing that is 20 per cent is more efficient than previous designs, a centralised fault display for easier troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs, along with Airbus’ fly-by-wire flight controls.
Advantages of the fly-by-wire controls – which were pioneered on the A320 – are many.  They provide total flight envelope and airframe structural protection for improved safety and reduced pilot workload, along improved flight smoothness and stability, and fewer mechanical parts.A320 is in widespread service around the globe on services that vary from short commuter sectors in Europe, Asia and elsewhere to trans-continental flights across the United States.
The A320's flight deck is equipped with Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) with side-stick controllers. At the time of the aircraft's introduction, the behaviour of the fly-by-wire system (equipped with full flight envelope protection) was a new experience for many pilots. The A320 features an Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) which gives the flight crew information about all the systems of the aircraft.

COCKPIT STANDARDISATION:

In addition, fly-by-wire and cockpit standardization across the A320 is at the heart of Airbus’ commonality, which allows a pilot qualified on one Family member to fly them all, using the same type rating.  Over 80 per cent of operators with 10 or more A320 Family jetliners in their fleets fly more than one model of the Airbus single-aisle product line – enabling them to benefit fully from the commonality concept through more effective scheduling of aircraft and crews.
Taking the Airbus commonality one step further, an A320-rated pilot can transition to any other Airbus jetliner with reduced training (known as “Cross-crew Qualification”), and is able to operate another Airbus aircraft type while still actively flying the A320 Family (a capability called “Mixed Fleet Flying”).

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS:

Continuing its role as a pioneer, the A320 is the first version in Airbus’ single-aisle product line to be delivered with the new “Sharklets” large wingtip devices, which are designed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320.  The Sharklets – which completed their maiden flight outfitted on Airbus’ A320 development aircraft in November 2011 – are expected to result in at least a 3.5 percent reduced fuel burn over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual reduction in CO2emissions of around 700 tonnes per aircraft. Sharklets also are incorporated in the A320neo, Airbus’ fuel-efficient new engine option which brings enhanced range for its benchmark A320 jetliner.
Sharklets derive their name from the resemblance to a shark’s fin, and are the latest component in Airbus’ ongoing continuous improvement programme for the A320. The Sharklets bring four per cent savings in overall fuel consumption on long route sectors to A320 aircraft, while also improving takeoff performance and increasing payload by as much as 450 kg. – allowing for additional range or more passengers to be carried.These devices also should allow for less thrust to be used during takeoff when runway performance is not “limiting,” thereby decreasing airport noise. 
In addition to their environmental benefits, the Sharklets’ aerodynamic improvements are to provide multiple advantages for operators – including increased range and payload, better takeoff performance and rate-of-climb, higher optimum altitude, reduced engine maintenance costs and higher residual aircraft value.

SIMPLY THE BEST CABIN:

The A320’s right-sized fuselage is seven inches wider than its competitors, enhancing comfort for passengers and increasing revenue opportunities for airlines.  It enables choices of four-, five-, and six-abreast layouts with wider seats, along with opportunities for wider aisles and increased overhead storage bins.  Rapid turnaround times on the ground are further facilitated by the A320’s bigger passenger and service doors.
Airbus has developed a new interior for the A320 and its other family members that brings a fresh new look to the cabin, a significant increase in overhead stowage, a noticeable reduction in noise, and introduces options for ambience lighting.  An added advantage is this updated interior’s lower weight.

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE:

The A320  numbers speak for themselves: An A320 takes off or lands somewhere in the world every 2.5 seconds of every day, more than 50 million operating cycles logged since entry-in-service, and a best-in-its-class dispatch reliability of over 99 per cent.
By totally redefining the level of comfort for passengers, and delivering unmatched efficiency plus the best in technology for operators, the A320 has won a majority market share in segments that range from mainline network carriers and low-cost airlines to charter operators and leasing companies.  It also has become an aircraft of choice for VIP and government transportation with the Airbus Corporate Jetliner versions.
Advanced navigation technology contributes to the A320’s operational flexibility.  This includes the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capability, which reduces approach distances for landing while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions; and the Global Position (GPS) landing system, allowing instrument-type approaches where ground stations are not available. 
Also offered are the Microwave Landing System (MLS) for increased approach capability in low visibility conditions; and the Future Air Navigation System (FANS) for optimised flight path and reduced aircraft spacing.

Niriha Khajanchi [ MBA Aviation ] Project Manager www.AeroSoftCorp.com niriha.aerosoft@gmail.com aerosoft.niriha@gmail.com Web Site : www.asiaticair.co.in www.asiaticair.in