Michelin Aircraft Tire has announced that the first flight
of the new Airbus A350-900 aircraft was completed with Michelin Radial NZG
Technology tyres. In fact, Airbus has delivered the first A350 XWB to its
launch operator Qatar Airways. This plane is equipped with Michelin Air X tyres
with Radial NZG Technology, according to a press release from Michelin company.
The Xtra Wide Body
commercial jet made primarily of composite materials achieved its first ferry
flight from Toulouse (France) to Doha (Qatar) on December 22, 2014. The
aircraft company has proved to a great success as there are hundreds of orders
from leading global airlines for this aircraft.
TheA350 XWB aircraft will set a new standard of comfort and efficiency in its class. Seventy percent of the A350 XWB is made from lighter-weight advanced materials, including composites (53%), titanium and new generation aluminum alloys. These are primarily built into the aircraft’s main structural components such as the wings and fuselage. In this way, composite and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials serve to reduce weight and thereby lower fuel consumption by 25pc as well as reducing the maintenance cost of the aircraft.
“Michelin worked hand in hand with Airbus on this aircraft,” said Frank Moreau, Michelin Aircraft Tire Company’s President. “Michelin is committed to providing innovation for safety and business efficiency,” he added.
Michelin had introduced the world’s first radial aircraft tyre in 1981. Michelin Radial NZG Technology has enabled Michelin to offer a new line of better performing, lower weight aircraft tyres certified for the A350 XWB models.
Compared to an equivalent radial nylon tyre, these new tyres are lighter, delivers up to30% more landings, improves Foreign Objects Damage resistance leading to a reduction in unscheduled maintenance and increases the tyre load carrying capacity.
In effect, 8, Michelin Radial NZG Technology tyres can carry the same load as 9 standard radial tyres. This leads to improved business efficiency for airlines and private operators flying the A350 XWB, the release added.