Airbus has made available the first photo of its A350 static airframe as she was moved between hangers in Toulouse, France.
The airframe an A350-900 is not yet complete and requires additional work before testing can begin, however the photo, taken under gloriously sunny skies, gives us an idea of her size and shape.
Sadly, this airframe will never fly, but that doesn't detract from the important information she'll give to Airbus during static testing, where she'll be subjected to various stress tests to understand long term fatigue impacts and to ensure computer modelling got it right.
The first flight ready airframe MSN 1 will enter final assembly later this year before entering a vigorous flight test program.
The A350 uses an increased amount of carbon composite materials making her lighter and more economical than the aircraft she intends to replace. She is Airbus' answer to the Boeing 787 and will also compete with the Boeing 777.
You can see the image here.
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