Certification Remains On Track For Mid-March

A second A330-200F made its first flight Thursday. The aircraft undertook a routine three-hour production first test flight. There are now two A330-200F aircraft in the flight test program. The second aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.

This latest aircraft to fly, 'MSN1032', will contribute towards the overall A330-200F flight test program totalling around 200 flight hours. Certification is still expected in mid-March this year, followed by delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer.

The second test airplane is the first A330-200 Freighter to be fitted with a full courier section, comprising seating for six people; as well as a small galley and crew rest area. Development tasks for this aircraft will concentrate on equipment and furnishings as well as complementary 'systems' tests, including: communication; power distribution; air conditioning; smoke detection; oxygen; water; and waste.

Meanwhile, the initial A330-200F in the flight test campaign, which first flew in November 2009 powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, has been successfully evaluating handling qualities, performance, as well as undertaking tests regarding the autopilot and autoland systems. MSN1004 is now embarking on cold-weather testing in Canada, and following that, the aircraft will carry out hot-weather trials in the Far-East.

FMI: www.airbus.com