Airbus 319
After the success of Airbus A320 a shortened variation of the same was introduced in the form of Airbus 319. It was a major competitor of Boeing737-300 and Boeing737-700. Seating about 124 passengers in two class cabins, its fuselage was short and almost similar to A320. Airbus319 has same fuel capacity as its larger version although it is lightweight as compared to Airbus320. Due to this fact it provides additional range of 3900 nautical miles. It has a two crew glass cockpit which are digital and the side-sticks controllers are included in the control system replacing control columns.
The first flight of this Airbus took place in Hamburg Fikenwerder in Germany which dated back in August 1995. However, it took its first commercial flight in April 1996 through Swissair. It is assembled finally at Hamburg in Germany by Airbus Deutschland.
The plane’s deck is completely fitted with digital fly-wire control system and all the mechanical systems are replaced by electronics. Its structure is mainly made of fiber composites and the body of the aircraft is narrow. It is fitted with a diagnostic system which can be maintained centrally from the cockpit so the technicians can perform the diagnostic of the plane’s systems effortlessly. The Cargo system of the plane is containerized. The engines that power Airbus A319 are CFMI CFM56 or IAE V2500. It is a twin engine Airbus and is very popular due to its good range.
This plane has two variants which mainly differ in ranges. Main characteristics of each variant are:
o A319CJ (Corporate Jet): As the name suggests this version is a corporate Jet which was introduced in November1998. Six fuel tanks placed in this jet have increased its range up to 6,500 NM; however these fuel tanks can be easily removed to redesign the jet into normal A319. It is used by many nations as a presidential airplane. It mainly seats 39 passengers although it can be configured to seat much more. Many airlines are using it widely as it easily competes with other major CJ’s (Corporate Jets). The engine is same as the standard version o A319LR (Long Range): It is a long range Aircraft which is also fitted with extra fuel tanks, four instead of six as in corporate jet version. This enables its range to increase up to 4,500 NM. It has a complete business-class profile and is encased with 48 seats configured to provide business class service during Intercontinental flights. Many small airlines fit up to 149 seats in this Airbus and make the journey low-cost. Such planes however are en suited with two exits on both sides of fuselage in order to evacuate the Airbus quickly in case of emergency. Many premium Airlines use this Airbus as low-density business class plane.
This plane is still in production and continues to be in constant demand.
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