The MSN4 prototype, painted with Qatar Airways colors, has not flown since last month, on 27/May. It is planned to be the test-flight prototype that will be used to certify the avionics, but it is quite strange that it has been on-ground for one month, when the A350 prototypes have the “highest flying rate over achieved in Airbus flight test: average 80 Flight Hours per month and per aircraft”.
The MSN4 prototype F-WZNW has flown around 200 hours in 3 months, since it´s first flight last 26/February.
This flight prototype will be next month in the Farnborough Air-Show.
Something may be out of order.
ReplyDeleteIf it takes so long to repair, there must be a structural part that has been damaged, most probably in the lower part of the fuselage. Perhaps it is because of a collision with a ground vehicle or may be an issue with the landing gear.
No press article mentioned any issue with the engine.
Strange, indeed.
V V
There are many ground-tests being performed, as the lightning strike test for instance, but they should not take one month without flying.
ReplyDeleteIn one month you have enough time to re-paint the aircraft.
.........and maybe this is a normal process also, a part of a specific working party.....
ReplyDeletePretty sure it will fly soon above our heads..... Don't worry, be happy :-)
is the A350 going to fly to Brisbane?
ReplyDeleteand which airline?
Deletei hope virgin and qantas buy a350's
ReplyDelete