Airbus has delivered 162 units of the A380; each aircraft costs about US $ 420 million (Photo - Airbus)
Largest commercial aircraft in the world, the Airbus A380 is one of the most remarkable machines ever created in history. With 72 meters long and over 80 m wingspan, the four-engine may take off 575 tons and flies a distance of 15,700 kilometers, connecting continents with a number of passengers who hitherto defied aviation limits: the device can be configured 853 for transporting occupants.
The development of the A380, which has divided fuselage on two floors, was to reinvent the way to fly. Some of the answers to put the jumbo jet in the air were found outside the laboratories and wind tunnels: in nature.
It was in jet Airbus that "winglets," small haletas urged wingtip, became popular. The device applied to the A380 was inspired by the wings of eagles format, which get more support at the tip of the wings with the aid of special feathers. Thus, the bird (and the plane) has greater support with a wing area (wing area) lower. In addition to this advantage, the component also reduces the noise and vibration of the aircraft.
One solution to reduce the fuel consumption of the aircraft was found on the seabed. Some parts A380 have a surface with microscopic grooves which reduce aerodynamic drag as the shark skin causes water. With this material jet Airbus saves energy during displacement, requiring less engine. According to the manufacturer, the special paint reduces kerosene consumption by up to 1%.
The A380 mimics elements found in nature to find more efficient ways to fly (Infographic - Airbus)
On board the A380 there are materials that reproduce the "lotus effect". The leaves of the plant that causes the lotus flower are naturally impervious, keeping always clean. A material similar to that line the jet toilets, preventing dirt from penetrating and easy cleaning, which can be made with little water. Airbus is also studying ways to use this concept in carpets and seating cabin and even in outer parts of the aircraft.
Even butterflies flew by the boards of the A380. The butterfly wing has membranes stiffen or relax, adapting to the flight mode. The huge plane, Airbus has developed mobile systems in parts of the wings turning and twisting, mimicking in part the insect behavior. For the next generation of "Super Jumbo", the manufacturer is studying ways to better control these components, creating mobile internal structures. With this technology, Airbus hopes to improve control of the aircraft and save fuel.
A380 worldwide
The huge plane Airbus is finalized in Toulouse plant in France. Other parts of the aircraft are produced in the UK, Germany, and Spain. In 10 years of production, the company has delivered 162 units of the A380. Each aircraft unit costs about US $ 428 million, the most expensive commercial aircraft in the world - the Boeing 747-800, the main competitor of the European jet, is valued at about $ 356 million.
The main operators of the A380 are Asian companies such as Singapore Airlines, which has a fleet of 19 units in the fleet. Next comes the Middle East companies like Etihad and Emirates Airlines, the largest user of the model, with 64 units. Then come European companies, which use the jet mainly on flights to countries in Asia.
Singapore Airlines is the main operator of the A380, with 19 units in the fleet (Photo - Airbus)
The commercial operation of the A380 in Brazil still depends on adjustments at major airports that could receive it, if Cumbica in Sao Paulo and Galeao in Rio de Janeiro. South America, by the way, is still the only destination to which the largest aircraft Airbus still does not fly.
The shortest trade route is the A380 from Dubai to Kuwait, with only 861 km, operated by Emirates Airlines.Already the longest route d aircraft, which is also one of the longest commercial flight in the world, will Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, traveling more than 13,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean.
Largest aircraft in the world passenger
Although huge, the A380 is not the largest aircraft in the world. The jet Airbus loses in length for the new Boeing 747-800, which is 76.3 meters from one end to another. The aircraft of the European group is also lower than the Antonov An-225, that yes the current largest aircraft in operation with 84 meters long and able to take off with 640 tons.
The A380, with its fuselage of two floors, is the largest aircraft in the world passengers, with a capacity for over 800 passengers. This configuration, however, was not selected for any of the companies that operate. The aircraft is usually divided into three classes, reaching a capacity close to 500 seats.