Everything You Need to Know About Airbus A320
The Airbus A320 is a medium-range single-aisle airliner introduced in 1988 and has since become a widely used aircraft, with over 5,000 currently in service and more than 8,600 ordered. The A320 family includes the A319, A318, and A321 variants with different body lengths. The A319 entered operational service in 1996, the A321-100 debuted in 1994, with A321-200 following in 1997. Later the A318 had its inaugural flight in January 2002 and started operating commercially in July 2003. Airbus Industries, a consortium of EADS and BAE Systems, oversees the production of Airbus aircraft, with the A320 as the initial subsonic passenger aircraft integrating a fly-by-wire flight control system.
Airbus A320 Design
Airbus manufactures the A320 and is the top choice for airlines worldwide in the single-aisle aircraft category. Low-cost and mainline carriers favour it due to its exceptional features, as it has the most expansive cabin in its class for passengers to have a spacious environment when they step onboard the A320. The aircraft follows the Airbus standard and allows airlines to provide 18-inch-wide seats in economy class. It features a spacious single-aisle cabin with a width of 155.5 inches (3.94 meters) and ample overhead bins. The aircraft also includes fly-by-wire technology for precise control and has a generous cargo hold with large doors for efficient loading and unloading. It is equipped with an ECAM system that provides comprehensive information about its systems to the crew, allowing for ongoing improvements and upgrades even after two decades of service. From 2012 onwards, the A320 family has been enhanced with new winglets called “sharks,” developed by Korean Air Aerospace, which reduce fuel consumption by approximately 3%, increase payload capacity by 500 kilograms, extend the range by 100 nautical miles with the current payload, and reduce CO2 emissions by 700 tons per aircraft annually. In October 2006, BAE Systems sold its shareholding to EADS, making EADS the sole owner of Airbus.
A320 Family/Product Line
The A320 product line is designed with versatility and a genuine family concept, enabling operators to select the most suitable aircraft size based on route demand. It covers the entire spectrum of the market, from low- to high-density routes, and can even be adapted for longer-range transcontinental services to accommodate different passenger capacities.A320 Family aircraft have successfully operated in various environments, ranging from hot desert regions to icy Antarctic landing sites. They can take off and land on short urban runways and remote high-altitude airports. Many operators, including low-cost carriers and significant airlines, utilise these aircraft.
Additionally, it demonstrates a commitment to the environment through the latest A320neo versions from Airbus incorporate improved aerodynamics and state-of-the-art jet engines, resulting in significant fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Airbus has expanded its highly acclaimed Airspace interior from widebody A350s and A330s to the A320 Family. The Airspace interior incorporates cutting-edge advancements in-cabin technology that significantly improve passenger comfort and overall well-being, such as :
- Eye-catching ceiling lighting.
- Redesigned window bezels to create a more spacious feel and unobstructed views.
- Updated sidewall panels that offer an extra inch of personal space.
- A newly designed lavatory that provides ample roominess.
Moreover, the overhead storage bins in this interior design have been enlarged, allowing them to accommodate up to eight bags instead of the previous five. This expanded storage capacity fulfils the growing demand for more space for carry-on luggage.
Since its introduction, the A320 Family has been the pioneer in incorporating fly-by-wire technology in civil aircraft, setting industry standards. The cockpit of the A320 Family, also known as the “front office,” shares standard features with other Airbus fly-by-wire planes. Pilots with the Common Type Rating for the A319, A320, and A321 aircraft can smoothly transition to Airbus’ widebody fly-by-wire planes through Cross Crew Qualification. It enables greater versatility in their flying assignments and provides airlines with flexibility in assigning flight crews.
The advantage of commonality extends beyond the cockpit to the passenger cabin. The Airbus single-aisle and widebody families share similar systems, control panels, and procedures. Both cabin crews and airline operators highly value this uniformity. The A320 Family also offers the Cargo Loading System (CLS) option, which benefits airlines. With outward-opening cargo doors and a spacious lower-deck compartment, the CLS maximises the usable cargo area and expedites ground processing. It helps airport personnel streamline handling passengers’ luggage and freight, resulting in faster operations.
Airbus has made substantial investments in research and development for the A320 Family’s continuous advancement in innovation. Its three most significant versions, the A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo, now offer the NEO (New Engine Option). Customers can select between two highly advanced turbofan engines: the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ and the CFM International LEAP-1A. Additionally, the NEO versions incorporate Airbus’ fuel-efficient wingtip devices called Sharklets™.
As a result of these improvements, the A320neo Family aircraft achieved a remarkable 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation planes. The A321XLR variant goes even further, achieving up to a 30% fuel burn reduction. These enhancements also enable extended flight ranges and increased payload capacity for the A320neo Family aircraft.
Expanding the flight capabilities of the A320 Family aircraft opens up exciting new travel options. The A321LR, the variant with the most extended fuselage, can now fly routes of up to 4,000 nautical miles with 206 passengers when configured for long-range travel. It is made possible by carrying extra fuel in three Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs).
If we take this range extension even further, the A321XLR version now offers an extended range of 4,700 nautical miles. It is achieved through an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 101 tonnes, allowing for the installation of a permanent Rear Centre Tank that holds 12,900 litres of fuel, along with an optional forward ACT. As a result, the A320XLR can stay airborne for up to 11 hours. Throughout the journey, passengers can enjoy the benefits of Airbus’ acclaimed Airspace interior, which incorporates the latest cabin technology into the A320 Family.
A320 flight Operations Deck
The flight deck of the Airbus A320 is furnished with two pilot seats, accommodating both pilots. It is equipped with Thales/VDO electronic flight and information system (EFIS) displays, which provide primary flight and navigation information that exhibits speed, altitude, and heading data. Two Thales/VDO electronic central aircraft monitor displays exist between the pilot and co-pilot’s instrument displays. This aircraft is the first subsonic commercial plane to utilise fly-by-wire controls, replacing the traditional central control column and aileron wheel with sidestick controllers for each pilot. The flight controls operate through electronic signalling and hydraulic jacks, incorporating extensive system redundancy for high safety standards. Flight envelope protection is integrated into the flight control system to prevent fibres that exceed the aircraft’s structural and aerodynamic limits, ensuring adherence to designated g-limits and maximum operating speed. Additionally, the aircraft maintains a speed above stall speed, and if the sidestick is fully pulled back, the throttles automatically open to achieve a successful, positive climb.
Engine
The Airbus A320 has two engine options: the IAE V2500 or the CFM International CFM 56-5, which generate thrust ranging from 111kN to 120kN. Equipped with fuel tanks that can hold 23,860 litres of fuel, the aircraft can travel up to 5,000 kilometres when carrying the maximum number of passengers.
The A320neo is a newer engine option introduced for the A319, A320, and A321 models of the A320 family. It was scheduled to begin operating in October 2015. The A320neo offers several improvements, including an additional two tons of payload capacity, an extended range of 500 nautical miles, and better engine noise and emissions control. The new engine options for the A320neo include the CFM International LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. These engines are expected to provide a fuel savings increase of 15%.
A320 Structure
The A320 aircraft incorporates composite materials, specifically aramid fibre (AFRP), glass fibre (GFRP), and carbon fibre (CFRP) reinforced plastics, in its primary structures. It makes it the first subsonic aircraft to utilise these advanced materials. Various companies are constructing large aircraft sections, including EADS France, Belairbus, BAE Systems, EADS Spain, and EADS Germany. BAE Systems subcontracts Mitsubishi to build the wing root shroud box. Once the sections are completed, they are transported to France for final assembly. The primary section of the A320 aircraft has passenger entrances on the left side and service entrances on the right side. The cargo compartment has a volume of 27.69m³ and can accommodate various types of cargo, such as bulk items or containers. It can hold up to seven LD3W containers, each measuring 46 inches in height. The containers are distributed between the forward and aft cargo compartments, with three in the front and four in the rear.
Wrapping Up
The Airbus A320 is a widely used commercial aircraft known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. It is a narrow-body, twin-engine plane designed for short to medium-haul flights. With a spacious cabin accommodating 150 to 180 passengers, the A320 incorporates advanced technologies and aerodynamic designs to optimise fuel efficiency and reduce costs, including :
- Fly-by-wire flight control system.
- Advanced cockpit avionics.
- The introduction of the A320neo Family with improved engine options and enhanced cabin design.
The A320’s success in the market is evident with thousands of orders and deliveries. The aircraft family offers operational flexibility and cost savings through standard components and systems. Ongoing development, such as the A321XLR variant, continues to extend the range capabilities and open up new long-haul routes. In conclusion, the A320 has significantly impacted the aviation industry and remains a preferred choice for airlines worldwide.
