Airbus 380 is assembled here in which city. The A380 is the largest aircraft in the world. Flight performance compared to competitors

Airbus A380- This 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. On 2 decks in a three-class cabin, 525 passengers can freely accommodate, in a single-class configuration - 853!

12 billion euros were spent on the development of the Airbus A380. 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 biggest passenger plane in the world!

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

It was possible not only to board the regular A380, but also to make a circular journey on a giant plane along the route Frankfurt - Prague - Budapest - Frankfurt, be 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 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 ceremonial meetings and such a number of spectators.

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

The sun rose, it was time for us to take off:

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

Passenger seats Lufthansa's economy class was developed by the famous German company Recaro. To be honest, I didn’t really like them - the backs are a bit thin and any movement of the passenger in front affects the comfort of the person behind.

Excellent design portholes. With their standard external size inside the aircraft, they appear large due to the enlarged internal frame. This large oval creates the impression of open space inside the cabin.

The plane is very “quiet”, the engines are almost inaudible. I was surprised by the short takeoff run - I was watching the takeoff in Budapest, I thought that we would be running along the runway for a long time, but the plane took off almost immediately.

The multimedia center with a 9″ screen is very good. In addition to the standard set with music, films and games, the monitor displays images from three external cameras and complete information about the flight. Distance between seats 79 cm, seat width 52 cm:

During the flight, the aircraft interiors were completely at our disposal - we could walk everywhere, sit, lie down, press buttons, climb into all the holes.

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

For ease of photographing, I asked the flight attendant to turn on full lighting in the cabins. It didn't get noticeably better, but still:

On the second floor- two business class cabins. They say that the company's management doesn't really like these seats and they will change them. There are 98 of them here - an incredible number for an ordinary passenger airliner. The set of options is standard for a modern business class - almost horizontal folding, individual light, socket and USB port for each:

In business class monitors size 10.6″, distance between seats 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:

A subject of special pride for any serious airline - first class cabin. In the Lufthansa A380 it is designed for eight passengers. Everything here is done practically, but without frills, such as separate cabins. Eight chairs that transform into beds, each seat has a 17″ monitor. Distance between seats 213 cm, seat width 80 cm:

Lufthansa calls these seats 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 shower here; the Germans consider it unnecessary; in their experience, few people use a shower during a flight.

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

So, we are flying to Prague. They are already ready for the ceremonial welcome 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 hills, 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 cabin is the crew rest cabin:

You can get to the second floor by two stairs - in front and behind the economy class:

A380 at Budapest Airport:

The creation and start of production of the double-deck wide-body airliner Airbus A380 put an end to the undivided monopoly of the aircraft, which lasted for several decades. The machine is the largest passenger airliner in the world.

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

History of creation

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

The management of Boeing and Airbus realized the limitations of the market for high-capacity aircraft, so in 1993 attempts were made to enter into a partnership agreement that would allow them to divide the market. In parallel, the development of projects was underway, called “Airbus” 3XX and “Boeing” 747X.

For the Airbus, several fuselage options were developed, including a twin-length fuselage from the 340 model. The Boeing aircraft was supposed to be equipped with a fuselage with a nose section increased in height.

The development of the Boeing project was stopped in early 1997 due to the outbreak of the economic crisis in East Asia, which has reduced the market for large aircraft.

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

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

The first flight of the Airbus A380 took place in the spring of 2005, and already at the beginning of 2006 the first test flight across the Atlantic Ocean was carried out.

Finalizing the design and solving problems that arose with suppliers shifted the start of aircraft production to 2007, in which only one copy was delivered. Actual deliveries began only the following year, in which 12 A380 aircraft were assembled.

At the beginning of 2017, there were 207 Airbus A380 aircraft in active operation, owned by twelve airlines. During the operation of the aircraft, several minor flight accidents were recorded.

In particular, in the fall of 2017, on one of the company’s liners Air France elements of the turbojet engine separated in flight. The cause of the incident was determined to be a manufacturing defect in the fan hub of the GP7200 engine.

Fuselage and cockpit

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

Carbon fiber composites are widely used in the fuselage structure.

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 there is a pilot's cabin equipped with two seats. To display data, the cockpit is equipped with liquid crystal monitors (the “glass cockpit” concept) of a unified design that allows devices to be replaced.

Pilots do not have a traditional helm. The steering wheel is replaced by joysticks located on the outside of the seats. Joysticks are connected to electric drive controls. The cockpit contains more than 100 thousand wires connecting various electronic and electrical components.

In front of the pilots there is a folding table with a keyboard. 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 aircraft, which never went into production.

Engines

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

The GP7200 powerplant is a collection of components developed by several major engine manufacturers. Both types of engines meet modern noise requirements during takeoff and landing.

The table shows some engine characteristics.

Parameter	Trent 900	GP7200
Type	Turbofan three-shaft	Twin-shaft turbofan
Combustion chamber type	Single	Single with reduced emissions of harmful substances
Turbine design	One stage each for high and medium pressure, 5 stages for low pressure	Two stages of high pressure and 6 stages of low
Compressor	One fan wheel, 8-stage medium pressure stage and 6-stage high pressure stage	Fan, 5-speed low pressure and 9-speed high pressure
Length, mm	5478	4920
Diameter, mm	2950	3160
Weight, kg	6246	6712
Take-off thrust, kN	310-340	311

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

Exploration 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 move fuel between tanks to maintain alignment and reduce drag.

Passenger compartment design

The pressurized passenger cabin of the Airbus A380 aircraft has improved sound insulation. The width of the fuselage allows for 11 rows of passenger seats.

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

Passengers board and disembark through two doors located in the forward fuselage on the lower deck.

First grade

The seats are located in the bow of the lower deck. There are 14 seats in total, 4 of which are located singly on the sides, the remaining 6 are located in the central row in pairs. A special feature of first class seats is the ability to be fully reclined. sleeping area.

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

Business Class

Business class seats are located immediately behind first class. The seats are arranged in eight rows at a fairly large distance from each other. The design of the chairs allows the backrests to be folded out to form a sleeping area.

There are a total of 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 kitchenettes and a bathroom. A bar counter is located in the area of ​​the first emergency exit. The second emergency exit is located towards the rear of the Airbus A380.

Economy class

Economy class seats on the Airbus A380 are located on the 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 backrest. The economy class cabin has two kitchenettes and three bathrooms.

In an emergency, economy class passengers can leave the Airbus A380 cabin after 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 electric actuators (also duplicated). Electric actuators operate the chassis via hydraulic systems.

In this way, it was possible to install four independent control systems, which increased the safety of the aircraft and reduced the risk of dangerous situations. The landing gear niches are closed with landing gear doors made of composite materials. The design of the doors is monolithic.

Flight performance compared to competitors

Parameter	A380	A380 Plus	Boeing 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 take-off weight, kg	560 000	578 000	442 000
Fuel capacity, l	325 000		-
Total takeoff thrust, kN	1244-1360	At least 1244	1188
Maximum speed, km/h	1020		988
Cruising speed, km/h	Up to 945		908
Flight range, km	15 200	15 756	14 100
Ceiling, m	13 115		13 000
Crew, people	2
Number of seats, persons	853	933	581

Prospects

In mid-2017, Airbus announced the creation of an improved A380 Plus. The main direction of improvements was to reduce the cost of the aircraft, which in theory should increase 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 tighter cabin layout and a reduction in the area of ​​service compartments.

Externally, the A380 Plus is not very different from its predecessor - the main changes affected the wing design, which should have reduced drag.

Modified Rolls-Royce and Engine Alliance power plants have reduced fuel consumption and increased thrust by 7%, but there is no official data on them in the public domain.

Video

- the flagship of Airbus and the largest passenger airliner in the world, taking this title from the Boeing 747.

The first flight took place on April 27, 2005, and two and a half years later, on October 25, 2007, the aircraft was put into operation.

In addition to winning the “largest passenger aircraft” category, the Airbus A380 set a number of equally significant records:

the most economical among the largest- When the airliner is fully loaded, per passenger, only about 3 liters of aviation fuel are consumed per 100 kilometers. According to Airbus, this is 20% less than its main competitor, the Boeing 747.

the most environmentally friendly among the largest Naturally, the less fuel is burned, the less carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Also, in the manufacture of the liner, modern lightweight and durable composite materials developed in accordance with environmental standards are used.

The Airbus A380 can rightfully be called the flagship of modern passenger aviation, it is comfortable for both the crew and passengers:

• comfortable chairs
• wide passages and stairs
• always fresh and clean air - the ventilation and air conditioning system “refreshes” the air in the entire cabin every three minutes
• 220 portholes that provide natural light
• low noise level - the noise level in the A380 cabin is 50% lower than that of its main competitor
• in an airplane the air pressure is maintained equal to the pressure at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, in a Boeing 747 - 2500

All this ensures a comfortable flight and low fatigue for all passengers, regardless of class. “Further, quieter, more convenient and more economical” - this is the motto that perfectly characterizes the A380.

The Airbus A380 solves not only the problems of long-distance and ultra-long-distance routes, but also quite successfully copes with regional tasks. After all, the economical giant can replace other airliners on short flights with high passenger density.

And with a capacity ranging from 400 to 853 passengers, it is a solution to ease congestion at busy airports and transport more quantity passengers without additional flights and at much lower costs.

Main characteristics of the Airbus A340-600 (Airbus A340-600)

• The number of seats varies (depending on the model) from 525 passengers in a three-class cabin and up to 853 people in a single-class cabin
• The maximum range of the a380 is 15,400 kilometers
• Fuel tank capacity - 320,000 l
• Cruising speed - 890 km/h

A380-800 wingspan— 79.75 meters

Length A380-800— 72.72 meters

Height A380-800— 24.09 meters

A380 interior layout and seating arrangement

The flagship Airbus A380 sets new standards in cabin design and overall passenger comfort, making full use of its two-story deck.

The aircraft was designed taking into account the needs of modern passengers and, in comparison with its competitors, provides:

• wider and more comfortable seats
• more space to store personal items
• spacious passages and stairs

The number of seats varies from 525 (in a comfortable three-class configuration) to 853 in one class.

The A380 is very flexible in terms of configurations and therefore aircraft layouts vary greatly.

As an example, we will give a diagram of the aircraft of the German giant carrier LuftHansa. The liner has a three-class cabin and the number of seats is 526.

There is a world great amount various airliners, but the Airbus A380-800 is the aircraft that is really worth paying attention to. There are not very many airliners like this 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 A380 aircraft cabin.

In order to understand how large and spacious the Emirates A380 is, you need to understand its technical characteristics in detail. 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 single-class model and 525 passengers in a three-class cabin. The length of the aircraft is 72.7 meters, height – 24 meters, and wingspan – 79 meters.

Extra options:

• wing area – 844 m2;
• take-off length – 2000 m;
• run length – 3000 m;
• a path capable of covering 15,000 km when fully loaded;
• fuel tank capacity - 310 thousand liters.

This airliner has a special cockpit for pilots, where the most modern technologies have been introduced. The A380 is equipped with a glass cockpit and remote control of the steering wheel when operating electric drives. 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 ones for flight information;
• 2 indicators of the functioning of fuel units;
• 2 – multifunctional;
• 1 main one, which shows general information.

If we talk about engines, they are super powerful and modern. Mixtures of aviation kerosene with GTL from environmentally friendly gas are used as fuel. And in the design of this aircraft Composite materials are used. Weldable aluminum alloys are also used.

Detailed diagram Airbus aircraft A380-800

As for the noise level, the Emirates A380 engines are practically inaudible. This makes it significantly superior to 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 these stairs, because it is very difficult to fall asleep if you are constantly walking. But some still buy tickets for them.

The cabin width 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 the layout of the cabin of this aircraft, as well as what best places for long-distance flights.

Airbus A380-800 Emirates: interior layout

Thanks to the photo of the Airbus A380 interior attached to this article, you can see how the passenger seats are located. The ship has two floors in total. On the 2nd there are seats for first and business class tourists. The 1st floor is designed for those flying in economy class. First class is more comfortable. Even those passengers who are having a hard time traveling in this class will be able to relax and forget about their poor health.

Rows 1-4 are just used for first class. There, everyone can reach their destination in comfort, because everyone is accommodated in a separate compartment with a door, thanks to which they can be completely private. Travelers also have comfortable chairs that can fold out 180 degrees, thus transforming into a bed. In addition, the first class cabin has Free access Internet, sockets for recharging mobile gadgets, a minibar and, of course, individual lighting, which allows you to read books, magazines, and newspapers.

Those who have ordered food in advance have the opportunity to have a hearty lunch or dinner with gourmet dishes, as well as taste cold or warm drinks. Among other things, there is a shower cabin where you can freshen up. First class is like a real five-star all-inclusive hotel. In such comfort, the flight passes unnoticed. Moreover, there are places where it is especially convenient to sit. You need to know about this if you want to get to the right place as comfortably as possible. So, the most convenient places are those further away from the kitchen and toilet, since they are always quiet, calm and cozy: this is where you can read books, listen to music or communicate via email.

Travelers who choose business class are seated in rows 6-26. These places are also particularly comfortable. If you want to fly easily and discreetly, then business class is a very suitable option. The only thing, It is not advisable 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 the activity does not decrease even at night, which is why it is unlikely that you will be able to fully relax. The remaining places are more comfortable and have all the necessary amenities. Passengers can charge their gadgets, watch movies, 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 money on their flight. For such passengers there are as many as 399 seats in rows 43-88. Of course, it’s difficult to call them comfortable. However, all of these seats have outlets for charging electronic devices, a separate screen and a video and audio entertainment system. However, those who want to get to their desired destination in silence will have to get used to some noise, passenger activity and conversations. But for a special fee, you can connect to the Internet, turn on loud music, put on headphones and “go crazy” until your arrival. The rows are spaced 80 cm apart.

Interior layout

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

If we talk about what the most comfortable places here, these are places in rows 45, 54 and 82. The 45th row features extra legroom for a more comfortable commute. This advantage is especially noticeable if the flight is long. The 54th row also allows you to stretch your legs freely, lean back, and there is also a kitchen and no restroom, so unpleasant odors are not as noticeable as on the 67th row. Row 82 is reminiscent of row 45 in that it offers the opportunity to stretch your legs and visit the galley.

As for other seats, the 43rd row is considered one of the most comfortable, but due to the fact that the seats there do not recline and the armrests are blocked, it is not included in the list of the most comfortable. Also, you can constantly hear the flight attendants talking and walking there, because there is a room for on-board conductors nearby.

Row 50 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 disaster, you will have the opportunity to be the first to leave the emergency aircraft. However, the seats there are not very comfortable, since they do not recline. Passengers in row 51 are also limited in this opportunity. That is why the 50th and 51st rows can safely be called the most uncomfortable, since a sitting position for 4-5 hours causes great discomfort. Also uncomfortable places in row 55 due to lack of legroom.

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

Thus, getting to such places is extremely inconvenient, especially since unpleasant odors and constant queues in the toilet make it difficult to rest. Seats in row 67 are suitable for those traveling as a couple. The fact is that there are only two chairs in a row, and there is also the opportunity to recline your legs and straighten your knees. However, there is also a minus - the proximity of restrooms, which prevents you from getting a good night's sleep.

One of the not entirely comfortable seats is in the 87th row, because there are also restrooms nearby. The seats in the 88th row are restless due to non-reclining backrests, stairs and toilets, which do not allow for a full rest. That is why you should not purchase tickets for these places. But they are cheaper, so they are chosen by fans of budget transportation.

Parameters of seats in the cabin

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

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

So, we examined in detail the layout of the A380 aircraft cabin. Obviously, this is a very spacious and comfortable aircraft 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.

Airbus A380-800 interior

Advantages and disadvantages of the A380-800

As we have already found out, this aircraft is very spacious and large-scale. It’s not surprising, because this is the world’s largest aircraft. It was specially created so that it could transport a large number of passengers. We can safely say that the Airbus A380 has brought back the romance and excitement of flying to seasoned travelers. Everyone who has flown this air transport, will confirm that it has its own characteristics and flies to the most favorite places of tourists, namely London, Los Angeles, Paris, New York, Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Beijing, etc. It is thanks to this geography that passengers pay preference for this aircraft, regularly flying on it. IN holiday season Flights on this Airbus are especially frequent.

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. When flying over mountains or the sea, the vibrations are practically unnoticeable. Moreover, the salons are equipped with wide and comfortable seats. This is especially noticeable in those places where there are armrests, a reclining backrest and legroom. In addition, passengers note that the cabins are always very clean and comfortable. All maneuvers in the air are easy and pleasant.

Also, many travelers note that the lunches and breakfasts on board are very tasty, and the flight attendants are always friendly and polite. It must be said that not every aircraft has such good conditions for passengers. Many passengers call the A380 an aircraft whose conditions are comparable to the best brands cars.

To summarize, it must be said that the Airbus A380-800 is a powerful flying machine 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 purchase air tickets both at the ticket office and through the official website of the airline that serves the flight. After reviewing the above information, you can decide in advance which place is better and make a purchase. In general, we have become familiar with the technical characteristics of the A380, and photos of the A380 aircraft will allow us to visually evaluate the capabilities of this aircraft. Today, many people prefer to fly on it, since compared to other airliners it is one of the most convenient and comfortable. That is why, if you want to get to where you want in comfort resort place, then choose the A380, because it was specially created for large passenger transportation.

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The Airbus A380 is the largest wide-body, double-deck turbojet passenger airliner on the planet (as Wikipedia says). Its height is 24 m, its wingspan is 80 (in meters), its maximum flight length is 15.4 thousand km, and it can carry 853 passengers at a time. Moreover, in this aircraft the level of passenger comfort is raised to an unattainable height.

Who is the manufacturer

Manufacturer of this airliner is the Airbus S.A.S concern, one of the leaders in the design market of passenger airliners.

Start date of release and modification

Work on the creation of this airliner began in 1994. The goal of the company's designers was to create an aircraft that could compete with the popular Boeing 747. After thinking about the concept for a long time, they came up with the idea of ​​​​creating a double-decker aircraft that could carry more passengers than its main competitor.

Note! In 1994, McDonnell Douglas began work on another large aircraft (600-800 passenger segment). But, unable to withstand the competition, it was forced to abandon the project and leave the civil aviation market.

The program was actually launched on December 19, 2000. Almost immediately the company received 55 orders for this aircraft. In 2001, design solutions were finally approved, and in 2002, installation of the aircraft began. In total, the a380 production program, called “3XX,” was developed and approved over 10 years, and more than 12 billion euros were spent on it (with an initial budget of 8.8 billion euros).

Note! The Airbus concern has calculated that the program's payback will be achieved by selling 420 aircraft.

On January 18, 2005, the A380 aircraft was first presented to the general public, and on April 27, 2005, the first flight was made, lasting about 4 hours.

Note! A total of 5 aircraft were built for demonstrations and testing.

The first transatlantic flight took place in 2006. This was a test flight, the purpose of which was to study the “behavior” of the vessel in high altitude and severe frost conditions. The plane, having flown across the ocean, landed first in Colombia and then flew to Canada. In the same year, the first passenger flight took place (interestingly, the passengers were Airbus employees). The purpose of the flight was to determine the level of flight comfort.

In the same year, the aircraft underwent evacuation certification in Hamburg. Passengers and crew managed to evacuate the plane in 78 seconds, against a standard of 90. The European EASA and the American FAA (passenger air safety agencies) gave their permission for commercial flights.

Commercial flights began in 2007. One ship was sold to Singapore Airlines and began operating on the Singapore-Sydney route. Another aircraft was purchased by Qantas and delivered to the Melbourne-Los Angeles route. Both companies noted that the A380 is superior in its flight and commercial characteristics to its direct competitor, which is the Boeing 747.

There are three modifications of this aircraft:

• three-class – designed for 525 passengers (with the provision of various services on board); It is interesting that the A380-800 modification was initially designed for a maximum of 583 passengers, but then it was decided to increase the flight range by 370 km by reducing the payload;
• single-class (economy; same a380 -800) – designed for 853 seats;
• cargo aircraft (A380 -800F) - designed for 150 tons of cargo and a flight range of 10 thousand km.

note! For some time, the Airbus company was forced to stop production of the cargo model, as there were too many orders for the passenger modification.

Both passenger structures include two decks, which are connected by stairs located in the bow and tail of the aircraft.

If the customer wishes, designers can create various locations on the plane: bars, showers, lounges, duty-free shops. All this is designed to make the flight even more comfortable.

It is also interesting that the company offers different aircraft configurations for different customers. There are also luxury models that provide sleeping accommodations for passengers and a gym.

A major contribution to the implementation of the program to create this aircraft was made by the Moscow engineering center Airbus ECAR.

Individual parts of the aircraft are manufactured in France, Germany, England, Spain, then delivered to Bordeaux, and from there to Toulouse. All finishing work is carried out in Hamburg.

Capacity, flight range, speed, altitude

When constructing aircraft, a variety of composite materials and improved aluminum alloys were used (especially in the creation of wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers). With this, it became possible to reduce the weight of the aircraft several times. Weight was also reduced through the use of laser welding (the number of fasteners along the entire length of the fuselage was reduced).

Technical characteristics of the aircraft (using the example of the A321-200)

Crew	27 people (2 pilots + flight attendants; if the flight range is more than 14 hours, then + 2 more pilots)
Length (m)	72
Wing span/wing area (m)	80 / 845
Height (m)	24
Empty/take-off weight	280 tons/650 tons
Cruising speed (km/h)	900
Maximum speed (km/h)	1020
Run length (m)	2050
Run length (m)	2900
Maximum flight altitude (m)	13100
Specific fuel consumption	3 liters (per passenger, every 100 km)
Flight range (with maximum load, without refueling)	15.4 thousand km (the cargo modification of the aircraft, designed for 150 tons of cargo, covers distances of 10.3 thousand km)
Capacity (with and without classes)	480-853 passengers

There are nine interchangeable displays installed in the aircraft cockpit.

The A380 aircraft has 22 wheels on the landing gear, which ensures the most comfortable landing. In addition, this design solution is aimed at ensuring that a heavy aircraft does not damage the runways at the airport (this is a fifth group airliner that takes off and lands on a 45-meter runway). In Russia, this type of aircraft began to be accepted for the first time international Airport"Domodedovo".

Layout of seats in the aircraft cabin

Let's consider the most common model of the A380-800 aircraft, a three-class aircraft with several additional locations, which carries out transportation for Singapore Airlines.

The plane has two decks. On the first deck there are seats for economy class passengers, 396 in total, installed in three rows, in a 2-4-2 pattern, and in two rows, in a 3-3 pattern. On the second floor of the A380 there are seats for first and business class passengers in a 1-2-1 configuration. A total of 14 first class seats and 76 business class seats.

There are also two bars on the second floor, one for business class with a bartender, the other for first class, with premium drinks, without a bartender.

There are a total of 15 toilets on the plane. 5 of them are on the upper deck, 10 are on the lower deck. All toilet rooms are well equipped; there are mini-sets of cosmetics and disposable razors on the risers. On the upper deck (on the bow side) there are 2 shower rooms for first class passengers. They need to be ordered in advance, the water only runs for 5 minutes, but they have everything you need to get yourself in order.

On the ground floor there are crew rest rooms with beds. One room is for flight attendants and one is for pilots for 9 and 2 people, respectively.

As mentioned above, there are 27 people on the team, but as the flight ranges, a couple more pilots and one bath attendant are added, who prepares the bathroom for first class passengers. There are only 24 flight attendants: 4 senior, 8 in economy class, 8 in business class, 4 in first class.

Description of seats by block of rows

Let's consider Airbus salon Emirates A380-800 in standard three-class configuration. The locations are located as follows.

1. Upper deck a380:

• 14 cabins (1-4 rows) – first class;
• 76 seats (6-26 rows) – business class.

1. Lower deck a380 – 399 seats (43-88 rows) – economy class.

Description of seats by row for a standard three-class configuration

Rows 1-4 (first class)	Great places. Actually separate compartments with a door and bed seats. There is a monitor, a minibar, a blanket, a mattress, a separate menu, access to a VIP bar and a shower. But the seats in the 1st and 4th rows are close to the technical rooms, which are constantly illuminated, so falling asleep here will be problematic.
Rows 6-26 (business class)	Same great places providing a high level of service. But it’s better not to choose seats on rows 23 and 26. They are close to the technical rooms, bar and toilets. A constant flow of people is guaranteed.
Rows 43-51 (lower deck, economy class)	There are good seats here on row 43 (free legroom, but a constant flow of people to the toilets). Excellent seats on row 45 (4 seats in the center row). There is also empty legroom (due to the proximity of the stairs), and there are no people going to the technical rooms. The seats in rows 50 and 51 are not very good; the kitchen is located next to it.
Rows 52-66 (lower deck, economy class)	The best seats here are on rows 52 and 54. Not very good at 65 and 66 (close to the toilets).
67-79 row	Good seats on row 67. There is free space here, but very close to the toilets, so there is a constant flow of people. Row 66 has excellent window seats on both sides (there is free space created by the absence of a seat in front). The seats in row 79 are not very good, as they are close to the kitchen.
80-88 row	The best seats here are on row 81 near the windows and row 82 (4 seats in the center row). The worst seats on the entire lower deck are in row 88. There are toilets nearby, stairs from the upper deck, chairs do not recline.

Facilities on board

Each passenger is given socks and seat stickers. The stickers represent sleep, the desire to have lunch and the desire to receive a booklet from the duty-free store. For an overnight flight, the flight attendant will provide you with a blanket, mattress and pillow (in economy class, only a blanket). The distance between seats in economy class is 80 cm.

The seats are equipped with a touchscreen (17-inch screen) and an electrical outlet. The multimedia system control panel is combined with a satellite (in first class and business class cabins). Also, massage systems are built into the first and business class seats, which are controlled by a remote control (it also brings the seat to a horizontal position).

Economy class A380 and stairs to the upper deck

At the rear on the upper deck there is a bar that serves drinks (including alcohol), as well as cakes, sandwiches and fruit free of charge. The bar has sofas with seat belts. There is also an indoor first class bar nearby that serves expensive drinks and snacks (the peculiarity of the bar is that there is no bartender). This bar is also equipped with a small sofa.

The plane has a multi-course menu for lunch and dinner, and also has a wine list.

Passengers note such advantages of the aircraft that increase the comfort of the flight, such as:

• low noise level;
• high air pressure inside the cabin.

There is also a satellite channel available, which provides telephone communication and wifi in the cabin for passengers.

The Airbus A380 is capable of long non-stop flights. Despite its size, it fits into the infrastructure of all major air harbors peace.

Currently, work is underway to create larger modifications of the a380 (a380-900 or a390 with a capacity of 656 to 960 passengers while maintaining the flight range). The designers claim that the parameters of the existing wing are quite sufficient to enlarge the aircraft and improve its technical and commercial characteristics. The A390 promises to become an even more convenient and comfortable aircraft. It should also be noted that work continues on the A380-700 and A380-1000.

The seven hundredth can carry 481 passengers (length – 69, that is, it is 4 meters shorter than the A380-800), while the flight range increases to 16 thousand km.

The thousandth is a new, ambitious project that will only be implemented by the beginning of 2025. The length of the aircraft will be 87, the wingspan will be 84 (in meters). It will be capable of lifting 1,073 passengers (757 with a three-class configuration). This will be the second largest aircraft in the world, after the An-225 Mriya.

This plane is truly comfortable. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail. Even first class passengers are satisfied with the trip.