The Airbus A380 was developed in response to the growing problems of airport congestion and air traffic control systems struggling to cope with the number of aircraft in operation. Originally known as the A3XX, the enormous design was re-christened as the A380 following the official launch of the program in late 2000. One it enters service, the A380 will become the first full triple-decked super jumbo-jet as well as the first true competitor to the Boeing 747. Though many argue that the aviation industry is not ready for such a giant, Airbus believes that by commiting to the A380 now, they will be in excellent position to take advantage of such a need by 2020. Despite its large size, the A380 adopts a conventional airliner design with a cylindrical fuselage slightly shorter and wider than that of the 747. The A380 also features a low-mounted swept-wing with four podded engines along its span. Because of customer-imposed constraints, the A380 will also be able to use existing runways and gates, and folding wings may be offered to some airlines. Internal layout is also of typical configuration with passengers seated on the two upper decks and cargo on the lower deck. Airbus has also proposed using some cargo compartments for shops and lounges, although economy-minded airlines are unlikely to adopt such gimics. Two basic models are currently being marketed, the A380-800 passenger model seating up to 555 in three classes and the A380-800F freighter version. Additional extended range, passenger/cargo, and stretched models are also under consideration. The first A380 is due to enter service in 2006. Data below subject to change as A380 approaches production form Last modified 18 September 2004. HISTORY: First Flight planned for mid-2004; Service Entry; (A380-800) planned for October 2005 (with Singapore Airlines); (A380-800F) planned for October 2007. CREW: 2 flight crew; PASSENGERS: (A380-700) 481 in three classes, 608 in one class; (A380-800) 555 in three classes, 840 in one class;(A380-900) 656 in three classes, 840 in one class. ESTIMATED COST: $275 million.DIMENSIONS: Length (A380-700) 222.56 ft (67.9 m); (A380-800) 239.50 ft (73.0 m); (A380-900) 260.26 ft (79.4 m). Wingspan 261.83 ft (79.8 m); Height 79.00 ft (24.1 m); Wing Area 8,920 ft2 (830.0 m2); Canard Area -not applicable. WEIGHTS: Empty (A380-700) 575,405 lb (261,000 kg); (A380-800) 606,000 lb (274,875 kg); (A380-800F) 548,000 lb (248,570 kg); (A380-900) 630,520 lb (286,000 kg). Typical Load - unknown. Max Takeoff (A380-700) 1,190,495 lb (540,000 kg); (A380-800) 1,190,495 lb (540,000 kg); (A380-800F) 1,285,295 lb (583,000 kg); (A380-900) 1,300,725 lb (590,000 kg). Fuel Capacity internal: (A380-700) 575,185 lb (260,900 kg); (A380-800) 575,185 lb (260,900 kg); (A380-800F) 575,185 lb (260,900 kg); (A380-900) 658,300 lb (298,600 kg); external: not applicable. Max Payload: (A380-700) 160,935 lb (73,000 kg); (A380-800) 187,390 lb (85,000 kg); (A380-800F) 330,695 lb (150,000 kg); (A380-900) 209,440 lb (95,000 kg). PERFORMANCE: Max Level Speed at altitude: 595 mph (955 km/h) at 35,000 ft (10,675 m), Mach 0.89; at sea level: 390 mph (630 km/h); cruise speed: 560 mph (900 km/h) at 35,000 ft (10,675 m), Mach 0.85. KNOWN VARIANTS: A380-700 Originally known as A3XX-50 or A3XX-50R, proposed extended range model with shortened fuselage for 481 passengers A380-800 Originally known as A3XX-100, first production model seating 555 passengers; A380-800C7 Proposed combination passenger/cargo model based on A380-800 with room for 7 cargo pallets; A380-800C11 Proposed combination passenger/cargo model with room for 11 pallets; A380-800F Originally known as A3XX-100F, dedicated freighter based on -800 model A380-800R Proposed extended range model based on A380-800 for 555 passengers; A380-800S Proposed reduced range model based on -800 A380-900 Originally known as A3XX-200, proposed stretch model with longer fuselage for 656 passengers; A380-900S Proposed reduced range -900 model. KNOWN OPERATORS: Air France; Emirates Airlines; International Lease Finance; Korean Air Lines; Singapore Airlines; Qantas; Qatar Airways; Virgin Atlantic.
