Right now, the Airbus A320 is the best-selling and most popular single-aisle plane in the world. The A320 is a staple of the fleets of the Philippines’ main airlines. When it first hit the market in the 1980s, this plane had cutting-edge technology. Fly-by-wire systems were previously only available in combat planes, but the Airbus A320 is the first commercial airliner to adopt this technology.
There are four distinct models in the Airbus Industrie A320 aircraft family: the A318, the A319, the A320, and the A321. As Airbus’ first narrow-body aircraft in the single-aisle, short- to medium-range market, the A320 was designed with passengers’ comfort in mind. The A320 was the pioneer of this line and made its first flight on February 22, 1987.
Fly-by-wire technology
Airbus was the first to use a side stick, similar to those used in fighter planes, to control the flight of the A320. All of this was a first for airplanes, and it was a component of the fly-by-wire system. Fly-by-wire got rid of the need for mechanical links between the pilot’s controls and the flying surfaces by connecting them directly through an electric wire. Electrical signals from the pilot’s controls were sent to a computer, which then turned on actuators that moved the surfaces.
This system allowed for the installation of extra fail-safe devices to make sure that pilots couldn’t put the plane in situations that could be dangerous. Plus, the aircraft’s fuel efficiency improved since the electrical wire was used instead of bulkier cables.
This makes flying the Airbus A320 easier and less cluttered.
The Airbus A320 has a maximum operating speed of 871 kph with a maximum takeoff weight of 172,000 lb.
In the beginning, the A320 primary rivals were to be Boeing’s 717, 757, and 737 and McDonnell Douglas’ MD80 and MD90. Later on, the Airbus A320 series was the best-selling group of jet airliners between 2005 and 2007, and up to today.
The Airbus A320neo
Improvements for the A320 series were initiated by Airbus in 2006. In order to bring the A320 up to date, the A320NEO (New Engine Option) and A320E (A320 Enhanced) have been made to improve the plane’s fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and comfort for passengers. Aerodynamic performance will be improved with the addition of additional winglets, or “Sharklets,” as Airbus likes to call them. With today’s high cost of gasoline, these and other weight-saving measures are crucial.
Passengers will like the updated interior design that allows more room for their carry-on bags and has a more efficient air filtration system. Commuter jets are often used for shorter-distance flights, so most people prefer to fly with only their carry-on bags these days.
Customers can choose between engines made by CFM International’s LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G. This is what the A320NEO name means. These next-generation engines will cut NOx emissions by about 10% and save a lot of fuel at the same time. With the money saved on gasoline, you may expect an additional 500 nautical miles of range, on average, compared to existing options.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
