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Why is the Airbus A320 important?
The A320 helped push forward the adoption of fly-by-wire technology, side-stick controls, and cockpit commonality in commercial airliners. Since its first flight in 1987, the A320 family has become a short and medium-haul workhorse for airlines around the world.
When was the first flight of the A320?
22 February 1987
The Airbus A320 family are narrow-body airliners designed and produced by Airbus. The A320 was launched in March 1984, first flew on 22 February 1987, and was introduced in April 1988 by Air France.
Was the A320 the first fly-by-wire?
The Airbus A320 began service in 1988 as the first airliner with digital fly-by-wire controls.
Which is safer 737 or A320?
Both the A320 and B737 are extremely safe aircraft. The Boeing 737 has an accident rate of approximately 1 in 16 million flight hours whilst the A320 is very slightly lower at 1 in 14 million flight hours. To put it in perspective, you are far more likely to be involved in a car crash than a plane crash.
Which is faster 737 or A320?
The 737 is 0.009 Mach faster than the A320, despite this, the A320-200 actually has a higher range than the 737-800.
When did the Airbus A320 enter into service?
This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn’t claimed this research yet. The digital electrical flight control system of the Airbus A320/A330/A340 is discussed. The A320 was the first civil aircraft equipped with such a system. It was certified and entered into service in the first quarter of 1988.
How is the control column moved in an A320?
In conventional aircraft, the movement of the control column is transferred along cables and pulleys, until it reaches the control surface to be moved. In the A320 family, the cables and pulleys have been replaced by electrical wires. This has the advantage of saving weight on the aircraft.
How do pilots control pitch on an A320?
The status of the ELACs and SECs is indicated on the ECAM F/CTL page. The other computers are not displayed. Pilots control pitch and roll through two side sticks. – weight and room saving. Each side stick sends independent electrical signals to the flight controls computers.
How does the FACs work on an A320?
The FACs control electric motors coupled with a variable stop mechanism. The high speed position is indicated by small white ticks on the rudder scale. The PITCH TRIM position is indicated by THS deflection in degrees up or down. The pitch trim hydraulic motor status is displayed on top of the THS position indication.