Second A330-200 Freighter joins Test Programme

[HD video below] The second Airbus A330-200F has made its first flight this week. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the aircraft undertook a routine three-hour production first test flight. There are now two A330-200F aircraft in the flight test programme.

This latest aircraft to fly, 'MSN1032', will contribute towards the overall A330-200F flight test programme totalling around 200 flight hours, and paving the way for certification in mid-March this year, followed by delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer.

MSN1032 is the first A330-200 Freighter to be fitted with a full courier section, comprising seating for six people, as well as a small galley and crew rest area. Development tasks for this aircraft will concentrate on equipment and furnishings as well as complementary 'systems' tests, including: communication, power distribution, air conditioning, smoke detection, oxygen, water and waste.

Meanwhile, the initial A330-200F in the flight test campaign, 'MSN1004' which first flew in November 2009 powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, has been successfully evaluating handling qualities, performance, as well as undertaking tests regarding the autopilot and autoland systems. MSN1004 is now embarking on cold-weather testing in Canada, and following that, the aircraft will carry out hot-weather trials in the Far-East.

The A330-200F features an optimised fuselage cross-section, offering flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes.

The A330-200F on Display at the 2010 Singapore Airshow

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