The Airbus plant in Broughton, UK, has achieved a new industrial breakthrough with the completion of the first set of wings for the A350F cargo model, marking a key step in the program’s development schedule.
The design of these wings is based on the A350 passenger model, allowing them to be produced on the same line. This optimizes both resources and time, without compromising innovation. The wings are manufactured with state-of-the-art composite materials, contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced structural weight.
Preparations for flight tests
The wing set will be transferred on the BelugaXL freighter to the Bremen plant for systems outfitting. It will then be shipped to Toulouse, where it will be integrated with the fuselage fuselage of the first A350F prototype. This prototype will be part of the fleet of two A350Fs. aircraft aircraft that will make flights between 2026 and 2027.
A350F is a benchmark in air cargo
The A350F is designed to meet the current and future demands of the cargo market. According to the manufacturer, the model will offer:
- Up to 20% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions versus freighters currently in service.
- Capacity to transport up to 111 tons over distances of up to 8,700 km.
- The widest cargo door in the industry, at 4.3 meters, facilitating ground operations.
A plant with history
With more than half a century producing wings for the Airbus family, the Broughton plant maintains its strategic role in the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Airbus currently has nearly 1,400 orders for the A350 model, of which 63 are for the cargo version A350F.
“It’s a proud moment for the entire team,” noted Paul Kilmister, director of widebody wings at Broughton, noting the impact of this delivery on the program’s progress and its projection into the markets for and passenger markets..
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Source and photo: Airbus
