Passenger air traffic today is very popular. Millions of people fly every day, not only within their states, but also between different countries across the planet to solve their problems and problems. It goes without saying that in connection with this, the safety and comfort of operated aircraft comes to the fore. One of these aircraft, which optimally combines high levels of convenience and ensuring the safety of life and human health, is the Airbus A310. The history of its creation, technical specifications and photos will be given below in the article.
Excursion into the past
The story of the creation of a brand called Airbus itself began in 1975. That year saw the light of the first model of concern A300. This offspring of aircraft construction belongs to the aircraft manufacturing company, which, in turn, was formed in 1960 due to the merger of several aircraft manufacturers of the European continent at once. Legally, the company is registered in France and is essentially a joint stock company.
So what is the A310? This is an aircraft that was first created in 1978 on the basis of the basic model A300. The creation of the A310 was justified by the fact that at that time the available aircraft could no longer cope with the increased passenger flow. In addition, stricter requirements for flight comfort and safety.
The described Airbus A310 - passenger aircraft, immediately became distinguished by its economical fuel consumption, which, in turn, allowed to significantly reduce the cost of tickets. Reducing fuel consumption was made possible by improving the supply of working fluid to the engines and improving the aerodynamic properties of the entire machine.
First flight
The debut conquest of airspace "Airbus A310" dates from 1982. A year later, the ship flew under the brand name of the German company Lufthansa. In 1986, the car underwent some design changes: a side door was added, and the payload index was increased (up to 40.3 tons). In 1995, the Airbus A 310 was converted for the needs of the military, and a new model of the MRTT transport refueling tank was obtained.
Release period
Serial production of the airbus lasted from 1985 to 1997. During this time, 261 aircraft were created in various versions. It is worth noting that, according to official figures, this aircraft ceased to be manufactured in 2007. However, in fact, since 1993 there has been no mass production of them. The moral and physical obsolescence of the vessel led to the fact that it lost its place on the world stage of the A330 modification.
A few words about security
Airbus A 310 aircraft, the cabin scheme of which allows you to identify the safest passenger seats, in its rather long history of operation, has only 12 recorded incidents related to disasters or accidents. Moreover, most of the tragedies occurred due to the human factor - pilot errors. In three episodes, there was damage to the chassis during the landing, but at the same time, not a single person was injured. In short, the data obtained allow us to conclude that the aircraft is very reliable and safe.
As a result of the research, the experts found that the most protected places in the cabin are 22A, 22C, 22H and 22K, which are located near emergency exits.
Parameters
A310-300 - airbuses, which, among their main technical indicators, have the following:
- Length - 46.7 m.
- Wingspan - 43.9 m.
- Height - 15.8 m.
- The wing area is 219 square meters. m
- The maximum possible take-off weight is 164,000 kg.
- The maximum allowable landing weight is 124,000 kg.
- Empty weight - 82 600 kg.
- The maximum weight without fuel is 114,000 kg.
- Payload (maximum) - 33,460 kg.
- The volume of fuel tanks is 75,470 liters.
- Flight range (maximum) - 9600 km.
- The flight range, subject to maximum load - 5600 km.
- Cruising speed (maximum) - 850 km / h.
- The ceiling of the flight altitude is 12,200 m.
- The length of the run - 2290 m.
- Power plants - GE CF6-80C2A8, 2 x 26800 kgf, P&W PW4156A, 2 x 25400 kgf.
- Fuel consumption - 4300 kg per hour.
- The number of seats (economy) - 279 pcs.
- The number of passenger seats (economy / business) - 218 pcs.
- Cabin width - 5.28 m.
Design Features
The A310 is a long-haul airliner, created on the basis of the A300, but significantly unified. Among the distinguishing features we note:
- The cross section of the fuselage of the model 310 and model 300 are the same, but with the 310 modification, the fuselage is shorter and can accommodate up to 250 passengers.
- The design of the tail has undergone changes, and therefore the interior has become more spacious.
- The wing became half its size and received effective mechanization.
- External ailerons are absent.
- The tail lead has received a reduced area.
- Chassis equipped with carbon brakes, which today have become the standard in aviation.
- The pylons under the wings are universal and make it possible to mount any motors for this aircraft.
- The percentage of composite materials used is significantly increased.
- Mechanization uses electric power drives.
- The engines use electric generators.
- In the rear there is an auxiliary power unit.
Particularly noteworthy is the system for maintaining an optimal pressure indicator in the cabin. Thanks to her, as well as the air conditioning system inside the aircraft, the necessary parameters are supported: oxygen concentration and temperature level.
In addition, in the cabin A310 there are three rows of seats for passengers, which causes certain inconvenience for accommodating people and moving them directly during the flight of the vessel. According to numerous reviews of people flying on the described aircraft, the interior of the car causes a lot of complaints. In particular, the distance between the rows of seats is very small, and therefore, during a long flight, the legs become numb and the back hurts.
To control a fairly spacious aircraft requires a crew of two people.
Existing Modifications
The A310 aircraft was produced in two basic versions. The 200 model was a medium-range aircraft, and the 300 model was intended for long-haul flights.
There is also a A310-200 car. It had P&W JT9D engines and was the first production version of the aircraft.
A310-200C - a machine that can convert from a passenger ship to a cargo ship and vice versa.
A310-200F / -300F - a board designed for cargo transportation.
A310-300 - identical in size to the 200 model, however, it could fly a greater distance and had an optimized center of gravity due to the fuel transfer complex between the tanks.
A310 MRT / MRTT - a military aircraft that allows you to carry personnel and cargo, as well as refuel in the air of other ships.
Among the countries that operate the A 310 are: Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh, Portugal and others.
To date, most states have already stopped operating such an airbus and use the A330 model. In the Russian Federation, the last flight of the A310 was made in 2013.