Now flying long range: the A321LR flight test campaign

Jim FAWCETT, Lead Flight Test Engineer, Airbus Development Flight Test Department, BLAGNAC, France

Abstract

On 31st January 2018, the A321LR performed its maiden flight in Hamburg, Germany. This latest member of the Airbus single aisle family is designed to offer maximum flexibility to customers by allowing them to transport up to 240 passengers over distances up to 4000NM, thanks to an increased maximum take-off weight, a new layout of passenger doors, and the inclusion of up to 3 auxiliary fuel tanks.

The new door layout and fuel system required certification flight testing, and the challenge of transporting large numbers of passengers over long distances in comfortable environmental conditions was a high priority for the design office. However, only one flight test aircraft with limited instrumentation was available, with a short timescale between first flight and target certification date.

This paper presents the principle design changes of the A321LR, and describes in detail the flight test campaign. In particular, it illustrates how, thanks to careful planning, the development and certification objectives were met, whilst at the same time allowing marketing and communications activities to take place.