Airbus completes A350F vibration tests ahead of first flight
The first Airbus A350F aircraft has completed ground vibration testing (GVT) ahead of the type’s first flight later this year, the European aircraft manufacturer reported on August 3, 2026.
The tests, which took place in Toulouse over the course of three days in June 2026, are part of the aircraft’s comprehensive ground testing program. Prior to these, Airbus had conducted test rig demonstrations of the Main-Deck Cargo Door (MDCD) actuation and the Cargo Loading System (CLS) at its facilities in Bremen, Germany.
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During ground vibration testing, the aircraft is deliberately shaken externally and by moving the aircraft’s own control surfaces. Multiple sensors located throughout the airframe then capture data registering the aircraft’s response to these multiple stimuli.
In a press release announcing the successful conclusion of the ground vibration tests, Airbus highlighted that testing has been performed in a rather innovative way, combining the aircraft’s own FTI (Flight Test Instrumentation) data with that from autonomous sensors installed specifically for the test.
Based on this data, Airbus engineers are then able to assess the aircraft’s structural soundness and fine-tune their models and dynamic load computations.
The A350F is the dedicated cargo version of the A350-1000 airliner. Airbus launched the program in 2021 in order to offer a dedicated design for air cargo operators. This new freighter will have a payload capacity of up to 111 tons across 30 main-deck pallet positions.
The A350F is the same size as its passenger-carrying equivalent and boasts the largest main deck cargo door in its category. It also shares a large degree of commonality with the A350-1000 (including around 90% of its parts).
While the aircraft’s entry into service has been pushed back to 2027, from the original 2026 expectation, its first flight is expected to take place before the end of 2026.
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The first Airbus A350F aircraft has completed ground vibration testing (GVT) ahead of the type’s first flight later…
The post Airbus completes A350F vibration tests ahead of first flight appeared first on AeroTime.
