Airbus has scheduled the maiden flight of its new A350F freighter for September 29, setting a firm date for one of the final major stages in the development of the cargo aircraft.
The manufacturer said on Friday that the flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time in Toulouse, France, and will be broadcast live on its X account. Airbus cautioned that the event remains subject to operational requirements, including weather conditions.
The first aircraft, MSN700 and registered F-WXLD, has been undergoing final ground checks ahead of the flight. On Thursday, September 24, the A350F performed two high-speed rejected takeoff tests at Toulouse.
Airbus had previously said the aircraft was expected to fly before the end of September but had not disclosed a specific date.
https://x.com/Airbus/status/2103395518470570211
The A350F is a purpose-built freighter derived from the A350 family, combining the forward fuselage length of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wings of the larger A350-1000. Its different dimensions required Airbus to develop and validate a specific aerodynamic model.
MSN700 will conduct the maiden flight in Direct Law, a basic flight-control mode without the full protections available in Normal Law. Airbus said earlier this month that about 10% of the A350F's aerodynamic characteristics still had to be verified in flight.
The first aircraft will primarily be used for aerodynamic performance, handling qualities and autopilot testing. A second test aircraft, MSN701, will concentrate on systems, including air conditioning and fire and smoke tests.
Airbus plans approximately 400 flight hours with the two aircraft during a certification campaign expected to last around nine months. Certification and first customer deliveries are planned for 2027.
