Airbus A350F Enters Pre-First-Flight Verification Phase, Will Conduct 400 Hours of Flight Testing

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 14, Airbus disclosed the latest pre-first-flight test progress of the A350F freighter, with the first test aircraft MSN700 having entered the first-flight preparation phase. The program recently completed "virtual first flight" verification, conducting 13 simulated flights of approximately 5 hours each to validate new systems, flight control laws, and specific system failure combinations; the subsequent actual flight test plan is expected to accumulate approximately 400 hours.

The A350F does not directly adopt the complete aerodynamic configuration of the A350-1000. Its forward fuselage length is close to that of the A350-900, while the rear fuselage and wings are based on the A350-1000, thereby creating a new aerodynamic model, and the landing gear geometry has also changed. During the first-flight phase, Direct Law direct control mode will be used first; after MSN700 completes flight control law verification, the second test aircraft MSN701 is planned to conduct subsequent testing under normal control law mode.

The virtual first flight test used a development simulator connected to a real avionics system test bench, with an overall configuration approximately 90% representative of the actual aircraft. The test scope included the flight control system, digital engine control system, and crew handling procedures under different failure combinations. In early September, the first-flight crew also completed dedicated simulator training. The first-flight team consists of 2 pilots, 1 flight test engineer, and 2 flight test engineers.

In terms of ground testing, the A350F completed ground vibration testing in June to establish an actual airframe structural vibration model. Airbus also used the A350-1000 MSN59 test aircraft to pre-validate the trailing cone test method required for airspeed, altitude, and Mach number calibration, and will use smoke-generating equipment during the A350F ground and flight phases to verify the main cargo compartment fire and smoke detection system.

The A350F certification flight plan uses two test aircraft, MSN700 and MSN701, with the overall certification test cycle expected to take approximately 9 months. MSN700 is mainly responsible for aerodynamic performance, handling qualities, and autopilot system testing; MSN701 focuses on verifying systems such as air conditioning, fire and smoke detection, and also undertakes high-temperature and low-temperature environmental testing. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has participated in the review and approval of the formal flight test plan and plans to further participate in performance flight testing during the formal certification phase in 2027.

The A350F has a maximum payload of 111 tonnes, a maximum range of approximately 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers), and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Airbus currently schedules the aircraft's entry into service for 2027.