Airbus has moved the A350F closer to first flight, with the freighter now in the final stretch before its initial airborne tests and a global certification campaign expected to run for about nine months. The programme will use two flight-test aircraft, MSN700 and MSN701, with Airbus dividing aerodynamic, systems and weather trials between them.
MSN700 is assigned to aerodynamic performance, handling qualities and autopilot work, and carries a tail skid and bumper to protect the airframe during takeoff-performance testing. It will clear the flight-control laws first so MSN701 can take off in normal law on its maiden flight.
MSN701 will focus on systems testing, including air conditioning and fire-and-smoke trials, before later supporting hot- and cold-weather work. Airbus plans to use that aircraft to free MSN700 for tests with real cargo on board, as the company prepares the freighter for its certification campaign.