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First look at Ultra Long Range version of A350 XWB

2 Mar 2018

Following completion of the airframe assembly, the first Ultra Long Range version of A350 XWB aircraft has been moved to an outdoor station where it will undergo extensive ground tests, prior to installation of its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

The first Ultra Long Range A350 XWB is rolled out of the airframe assembly station.

Altogether, Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, which it will use on non-stop flights between Singapore and the US, including the long commercial service between Singapore and New York.

The aircraft will then embark on a short flight test programme to certify the changes over the standard A350-900 that will bring the additional range capability. These include a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres, without the need for additional fuel tanks. The test phase will also measure enhanced performance derived from aerodynamic improvements, including extended winglets.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the aircraft is reportedly capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles or over 20 hours non-stop.