A350 thrust reversers actuation system to be corrected.

Airbus has modified the thrust-reverser actuation system of production A350-900s after a failure of a locking mechanism on an in-service aircraft.

 

The locking actuator was removed from the jet after several failure messages, and investigators found that it failed a primary lock integrity test, said the European Aviation Safety Agency.

EASA stated that the component can be affected by internal contamination from carbon dust, and that this can affect the retention capability of the actuator.

Source: Airbus

EASA said 2 out of 3 retention mechanisms of the thrust reversers can potentially be affected by the problem, which would leave only the 3rd system – a lock employing a different design – for retention.

Airbus has introduced a new thrust-reverser actuation system standard into A350 production, after Goodrich corrected the problem.

EASA has ordered in-service A350s to be modified to the same standard, within 750 cycles since first flight.

Goodrich Aerospace Europe (part of UTC Aerospace Systems' Aerostructures) is producing the thrust reversers in a new dedicated building at its Toulouse site, with a 50.000-square-foot thrust reverser robotic production area with a moving assembly line.

 

 

Goodrich is providing all three members of the A350 XWB family's nacelle and thrust reverser system, wheels and carbon brakes, air data system and ice detection system, external video system and cabin attendant seats.

Additionally, for the new A350-1000, Goodrich is providing the main landing gear.

Based on the article “A350 thrust-reversers modified after lock flaw” published in FlightGlobal.