NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Airbus A320 is the aircraft that introduced fully digitized “fly by wire” to sub sonic commercial aviation flying.
The aircraft was deployed in the late 1980's to compete with popular short and mid range medium size jet aircraft of the time. Initially Airbus was able to obtain sales due to its advanced technology. The technology resulted in greater fuel economy than competing airliners. However, as other aircraft incorporated similar technologies, this advantage was quickly negated.
In addition to the flight control surfaces of the aircraft being actuated by digital signals rather than conventional mechanics, the aircraft incorporates a “flight envelope protection system.” The system will override pilot control inputs when it senses that flight parameters are being exceeded which will put the aircraft at risk. This includes such things as minimum and maximum speeds, and aircraft attitude.
Today's commercial pilots have mixed feelings about the type of control system used by the A320. A number of commercial aircraft incorporate similar technologies. However Airbus A320 aircraft control systems can not be overridden, as with the systems of other aircraft.
Some pilots appreciate that a part of their workload can be eased by the computerized controls of the A320. This is especially true during adverse conditions such as episodes of extreme turbulence. The automation may make them more capable of concentrating all of their energies on righting a particular situation. Other pilots feel that they, not computers, should ultimately have total control of the aircraft.
Bernard Ziegler, the engineer who helped developed the Airbus A320 control system, envisaged an aircraft that would be virtually crash proof. However, a look at the safety record of the A320 finds it nearly identical to other aircraft of its class.
The cockpit of the Airbus A320 features all glass instrumentation and side stick flight controls. The computerized aircraft system monitors all vital aircraft functions and displays them.
Computerized technology can save aircraft weight by replacing steel cables with electronic computer wires. Aircraft assembly is simplified because the wires do not need the same attention to detail as does conventional cable rigging. Major aircraft servicing is also simplified because cables have to be replaced when aircraft parts are removed, but control wires do not.
Fly by wire systems are especially advantageous when used in high performance military aircraft, and supersonic commercial transports. However, commercial aviation has adopted them at a slower pace than the military.
The A320 utilizes a five computer system, each capable of taking over for another should primary systems fail. Failures may be caused by the accidental cutting of control wires, such as with conventional aircraft. However, such things as high frequency radio transmissions, solar radiation, or magnetic storms may possibly affect computerized signals to aircraft controls.
Creature comforts on board the A320 start with the widest interior room of any aircraft of its class. This enables the accommodation of wider passenger seats. Wider aisles facilitate passenger movement on and off the aircraft. Carts for on board services can more easily navigate the aisles as well.
The galley on the A320 is about 25 percent larger than on other aircraft of its type. Overhead storage areas for passengers have about a third more capacity while under seat storage capacity has also been increased.
An Airbus A320 with 155 people on board safely landed on the Hudson River in New York City on January 15, 2009. Both of its engines flamed out during takeoff after flying into a number of birds. Quick action and clear thinking of its pilot and co pilot are credited for the successful operation. Analysis of flight data shows that the computerized systems of the aircraft probably
did not play a part in the safe conclusion of the flight. If they had any affect at all it would have been during the last few seconds of the flight, as the aircraft flared just before touchdown.
In November of 2009 Airbus announced that A320 aircraft would start being produced with large winglets (see picture above) beginning in 2012. Air New Zealand will be the first airline to receive aircraft with the feature that is expected to increase engine fuel efficiency by about 3 1/2 percent.
A total of 4,046 Airbus A320 aircraft have been ordered to date of which some 3,991 are currently deployed.
transport
two
turbofan
2 x 26,500 lbs. ea.
93,000 lbs.
170,000 lbs.
53,625 lbs.
148 (typical)
123' 3"
111' 10"
522 mph
560 mph
2,400 fpm
39,000 feet
3,500 miles
2/22/87
1988
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Airbus A320 from Aerosquare plans.
Radio Control Airplanes
Pictured above is an rc Airbus A320 built from Aerosquare Plans. The depron and balsa model has a wingspan of 59" and weighs about 4 lbs. It is powered by Mega 16-15-5 motors.
In the first picture below is the rc Airbus A320 built by Heinz Ernstberger from Norbert Rauch plans. The model is also for sale as a short kit. Its has a wingspan of 84" and a length of 93". Construction is a foam fuselage, balsa over foam wings, and a fiberglass nose. The aircraft pictured is powered by 90 mm EDF units, but can also be powered by a pair of 5 1/2 lb. thrust turbines. All up weight is about 18 lbs.
The next two pictures are of the rc Airbus A320 ARF for sale by RC Airliners.com. Its wingspan is 52" and weight is about 3 lbs. Power comes from a pair of Mega 16/7/4 motors turning Alpha 60/25 EDF units.
E-Flite has a rc A320 (Super Airliner) ARF. It has a 55" wingspan. Weight is around 3.25 lbs. Included are a pair of 66 mm fan units.
Metacafe has a video about rc pilots and the Airbus A320 you may want to check out.
RC Universe has a posting from a company looking for a rc Airbus A320 that they can film.
Dennis H started threads at RC Universe and Watt Flyer for people interested in a rc Airbus A320 short kit. A wingspan of 74" with 120 mm EDF units was mentioned.
The Team Daddy Hobby forum has a rc Airbus A320 EDF build thread. The scale model rc airplane is made from Depron and has a wingspan of 4.9 feet.
The last picture below is of the giant scale rc Airbus A320 built by Casey Dawson. It has a 12 foot wingspan, weighs around 42 lbs. and is turbine powered.
Airbus A320
