Airbus has started a new round of ground tests for the Airbus A350F as the manufacturer prepares the freighter variant of the A350 for flight testing and certification.
The company said the campaign focuses on systems that are either new or heavily modified compared with passenger versions of the A350, most of them tied to cargo operations.
Among the biggest changes is the aircraft’s main-deck cargo loading system, which uses hundreds of electrical components embedded in the floor to move freight containers. Airbus said engineers developed an automated test that checks more than 1,300 wires from the cockpit in a process designed to reduce inspection time during production.
Follow Air Data News: WhatsApp | Google News | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Another major addition is the large main-deck cargo door, one of the most critical structural changes required to turn the A350 into a freighter. Airbus is conducting repeated opening and closing tests to validate sensors, warning systems and mechanical performance before the aircraft enters flight trials.
The manufacturer is also testing a tail-tipping warning system designed to prevent the aircraft from falling backward during cargo loading, a risk for large freighters when weight distribution shifts toward the rear fuselage. Engineers are simulating nose gear extension to verify whether alarms activate and whether cargo loading operations automatically stop.
Airbus is also evaluating a drainage system designed for the main deck cargo area. The test involves pumping more than 180 liters of water into the aircraft to verify that melted ice, snow or cleaning fluids can be removed without damaging the structure.
The A350F will also feature a dedicated courier area with seating for up to 10 occupants, along with revised oxygen, water and waste systems, cabin airflow distribution and onboard connectivity functions adapted for cargo missions.
Separate certification tests will be conducted on two flight-test aircraft, including a maximum payload trial in which the A350F will be loaded with its full 111-ton payload capacity.
Related news
The A350F was launched as Airbus’ response to the upcoming retirement of older freighters such as the Boeing 747-400F and tighter emissions rules that will affect older cargo aircraft later this decade.
Airbus has secured orders for the A350F from airlines including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air France-KLM as it competes with Boeing’s upcoming 777-8 Freighter.
