Airbus have put up some nice photos on their website of the A380. One of the best photos of the A380 I've ever seen is http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElements/3425.jpg
because you can really get an impression of the dimensions of the A380 compared to the A346s and other planes in the background.

Some others:

http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElements/3420.jpg
http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElements/3427.jpg
The test crew in front of the plane: http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElements/3416.jpg
http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElements/3419.jpg

Wow!

What's that pipe going into the wing on pic 3416?

You're right the first photot is fantastic

Thanks Ants

F-WWOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!
While I think the A380 looks fantastic, so far I've thought it looks smaller than I expected. The first link you showed blows that idea out of the water. This is an amazing shot, and AT LAST we are seeing the A380 in its second natural environment (airport vs air). It just dwarfs the A340-600 in the background!



[Edited 2005-04-08 10:32:58]

sorry but that plane does nothing for me, it's not aesthetically pleasing to look at to say the least!

You'll get used to it! Any new design always takes time to assimilate itself into public perception and this is like no other. Remember how odd the tri-jets looked when they went into service? The LAST thing we need is another boring twin and this is one of the most distinctive looking aircraft ever built. The head on shots look really dramatic -- that low-slung cockpit makes it look like it's got brains to burn!

trijets are always great to look at and always have been, this plane just looks totally disproportioned and downright stupid, look at the nose, its just bizarre to say the least! i'm neither boeing or airbus, give me a douglas trijet anyday, but the A380 in my eyes will never be appealing.

Quoting Qantas077 (Reply 4): sorry but that plane does nothing for me, it's not aesthetically pleasing to look at to say the least!

I used to think the same, but it's growing on me. I think that it is looking really special now, especially seeing it along with it's smaller sister, the 346 - there's a real "family" feeling now.

I like it, and I can't wait to see one in the flesh coming in to LHR. I wonder if they've sent a sales brochure to BA yet?  

Quoting Qantas077 (Reply 4): sorry but that plane does nothing for me, it's not aesthetically pleasing to look at to say the least!

I love all kind of Airplane. There are many aircraft that don’t look aesthetically but that I consider real beauties. Aircraft are great not because of their looks but for what they can do.

People that criticize a new aircraft because of their looks are not real aviation enthusiasts like me.

The A380 is a beauty whatever its shape or form!

Yeah the 1st pic looks fantastic.
regds
MEL

It may not have the classic elegance of the A330-200 (but what does, eh?), but the top photo just illustrates to me how "IMPRESSIVE" this aircraft is to see, in its natural environment.
I also seriously suspect that no photographs will do justice to the "in-the-flesh" experience. "WOW" indeed.

Whatever the arguments on the site regarding the merits or otherwise of the A380, I'm glad Airbus have built it.

Braybuddy hit it on the head - it's one of the most distinctive aircraft I will ever see.

Now imagine the -900..............

Astuteman

Yeah, the Airbus company made a very good job with this new beauty, This will grow the economic actions....
Very nice Airplane.

Quoting NZ747 (Reply 1): What's that pipe going into the wing

Probably dumping some fuel...

So, it seems like it will fly very soon.

OMG I can't wait to see this thing in action. Hehe it better be at the Paris Air Show, in June.

Quoting NZ747 (Reply 1): What's that pipe going into the wing on pic 3416?

It'll be for testing the fuel dump system.

Rgds CCA

I think she's a fabulous engineering achievement, and as an Englishman, I am very proud that my country has contributed in producing such a beauty ! Yes, BEAUTY !!! I feel sorry for those on this sight who can't see and appreciate what has been built by Airbus and the league of nations envolved in the project, but instead prefer to criticize how ugly or how fat she is. Most of them are just jealous, because it hasn't a Boeing label on it !

The new Photographs are terrific, and with every passing day my excitment increases, as we near V1 Rotate !!!!!!

So my prediction for what it's worth is she will make her first flight before April 20th !
Nomad  

Have they started the APU yet? My guess is yes. But it looks as if the Hole is covered.

Quoting Nomad (Reply 15): but instead prefer to criticize how ugly or how fat she is. Most of them are just jealous, because it hasn't a Boeing label on it !

Or maybe it's just their opinion...From the start, I did not like the look of it, but I have also to admit that it grew a little bit on me, especially when I saw it for real.

Enough has been said about its looks anyway.

I wish you guys had access to the other pictures, there are some shots of the cockpit (with loads of special test stuff), and the cabin.

Here`s a pic of the stretch version (380-900):

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/stevem...il?.dir=47b3&.dnm=2ff8.jpg&.src=ph

I think it this one looks elegant!!!!!

Quoting Knoxibus (Reply 17): I wish you guys had access to the other pictures, there are some shots of the cockpit (with loads of special test stuff), and the cabin.

What's in the cabin of F-WWOW?

Quoting Astuteman (Reply 10): Whatever the arguments on the site regarding the merits or otherwise of the A380, I'm glad Airbus have built it.

You're so right !!

There's always going to be naysayers. No matter who builds it, or what it looks like, some people will not be impressed. That is their right. We don't have to agree with it, but we also shouldn't slam it.

Now, as for someone whose spouse works for Boeing, I can say with all honesty...OH MY!!!! I'm drooling with anticipation at the thought of seeing this beauty on final approach to LAX. Standing at the park across from the In & Out Burger and having her fly overhead is going to be AWESOME!!!

doesnt matter if it looks good or bad, just as long as it gets the job done

Pic 3416 reminded me of the movie "Space Cowboys"....

 

Quoting Aerosol (Reply 18): Here`s a pic of the stretch version (380-900): http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/stevem...il?.dir=47b3&.dnm=2ff8.jpg&.src=ph I think it this one looks elegant!!!!!

I think the 900 looks BEAUTIFUL! It's better proportioned than the basic version. However, what impresses me the most about either version of the plane are the wings. Now those are a real engineering marvel and look absolutely elegant; downright sexy!

There must be more pictures of the A389 around, would be interesting to see it from different angles.

Quoting Tockeyhockey (Reply 23): it's like a woman with too big of a forehead. it's got an eight-head. UGLIEST jet in the skies!

Negative, ugliest jet in the sky:



Yet before she was retired, the impact she had on the USN's fleet capabilities was immense.

Looks mean precisely zippo. What they're built for and designed to achieve means everything. And in the A380's case - this has been Airbus's design philosophy all along.

[Edited 2005-04-08 16:02:52]

Seeing these pictures makes me so proud to be European!  
Mostly because 60 short years ago, our continent was plagues by war and conflict... today, we've come so far, and have so much further to go still.
Congratulations to Airbus, and all the people who made this work, Absolutely Brilliant!

Billy

Quoting Henny (Reply 27): Negative, ugliest jet in the sky:

I worked on the A-7D when I was in the USAF and we called them SLUFs (Short Little Ugly F****r). Ugly but deadly effective aircraft.

The A380 looks much better as a real airplane than it did as an artist's concept. The wings and engines look particularly cool. The stretched A380 looks much better, I hope they build it.

I wish I could be in Toulouse for the A380's first flight, it's going to be a great day in aviation history! I have no doubt it will fly and fly well, after all, no commercial jet has ever failed to fly on it's inaugural flight. I just hope Airbus gives enough warning on when that first flight will be so aviation nuts can gather to watch the new standard fly.

Cheers, Ralph

Quoting Henny (Reply 27): Looks mean precisely zippo.

i'm not saying that the a380 is going to fail because it is an ugly plane -- i am saying that it is an ugly plane. don't confuse the argument here.

the a380 will not fail unless something catastrophic happens to it, such as a crash of an early version or a crash during testing or something like that. and, while that happened to airbus at an airshow in the past, it has very slim to no chance of happening to this jet.

airlines will buy this jet, it will be profitable, it will fly for a quarter century or more.

but, when all is said and done, it will always remain UGLY! a stumpy fat plane with disproportionally large forehead.

You could say that the 747 has a ginormous conk... (nose), which it does. But the shape has become so synonymous with the whole Jumbo Jet revolution, it's now a common site.

Some people, I know for a fact, couldn't get used to the 747's initial shape when it was first rolled... it looked "hideous".

Change always induces these "ugly" notions, just like the A7-II... a radical-looking aeroplane, just like the A380.

It's not really ugly per se, just totally different - you're not used to seeing it, alas, as you percieve it it's ugly or beautiful - whatever you brain decides first.

[Edited 2005-04-08 16:40:34]

I can't wait to see this thing fly.

The stretched a380 looks more elegant the stubby regular a380-800. I am sure it will be an interesting few years.

The a340-600 looks so long compared to the a380 in real life.

In a few years time the stands at Tolouse will be filled to the brim with a380 being readied to be delivered to the airlines.

Most probably the next airline will be CX and SAA shortly to be followed by BA ( I don't think they will just sit around cash or no cash when they see their competition running amok with brand new a380...namely EK, QR, VS, and QF (they are not exactly a BA competitor more like a partner).

Regards,

YYZ4RADD

I think the 388 looks bad because it is so short. I think the 736 and the 318 are pretty ugly too.

The 389 Looks good. Although it will inspire more awe than anything else.


And it is true. Looks mean nothing. The 38x's that ply the airways will have a significant impact on travel. It will be cheaper to get to point A from point B because of the number of seats chasing the number of willing backsides will be higher.

Someday I might get to take the GF on red tailed 388 to see Austrailia. Without having to bankrupt myself.

I still look forward to flying on the 787 more though....

She don't look too bad to me. And I say that as a Boeing engineer.   I have seen far worse. Have you seen pics of the 747 Large Cargo Freighter?. It's not pretty folks. She doesn't look as nice as my 777 baby, but customers don't purchase aircraft for external aesthetic purposes.

Quoting Ants (Thread starter): The test crew in front of the plane

Any guesses on the total number of flight hours represented in that picture? I bet it's a ton.

Is that a Thai A340-600 I see in the first photo???
It looks like the TG A340-500 is in the backround of the first photo.

It appears to me to be as long as the VS and SAA A346!




The photos are great!

[Edited 2005-04-08 18:12:27]

Quoting KLMA330 (Reply 28): Seeing these pictures makes me so proud to be European! Smile Mostly because 60 short years ago, our continent was plagues by war and conflict... today, we've come so far, and have so much further to go still. Congratulations to Airbus, and all the people who made this work, Absolutely Brilliant! Billy

Dont forget to thank the government for their illegal subsidies

Quoting Daedaeg (Reply 34): She don't look too bad to me. And I say that as a Boeing engineer. I have seen far worse. Have you seen pics of the 747 Large Cargo Freighter?. It's not pretty folks. She doesn't look as nice as my 777 baby, but customers don't purchase aircraft for external aesthetic purposes.

So true in my eyes.

I also don't like the looks of the 747 ERF. I just miss the windows or something. (make me wonder how the A380F will look.
Like this Airbus, it is not the ugliest, but I like the 900 version more.

I also wonder how the looks are from beneeth =) Just a few more months and we all will know that!

PS, the 777 is indeed one of the most beautifull planes around =)

(all my oppinion)

Quoting Morvious (Reply 38): Dont forget to thank the government for their illegal subsidies

We won't.

Quoting Tockeyhockey (Reply 30): but, when all is said and done, it will always remain UGLY! a stumpy fat plane with disproportionally large forehead.

You know those good wines, great records and a thousand other things that you didn't like at first? After a while you got to like and love them, and they end-up being so much better than the run-of-the-mill stuff. Looks-wise the A380 is in that category. Personally, I am so sick of looking at A320s, A300s, A330s, B737s, B767s and B777s that I welcome something that really stands out from the crowd. Look at the first pic again: stare at the A380, then look at the selection of other Airbus planes in the background, then look again at the A380. It looks SO much more interesting than the other aircraft.
It looks like it's ready to kick some arse! As for the big forehead, think of Brainiac or the Mekon. So it looks like it's got brains as well as muscle. Can you imagine standing on the beach at St Maarten with this beauty coming in to land? I reckon I'd have an orgasm!

Illegal subsidies or no, this is a sexy plane. And that's really saying something, considering Airbus is responsible for the aesthetic monstrosity known as the A340!

The pictures look cool and does make the a340-600 look tiny!!


filton216

[Edited 2005-04-08 19:41:23]

Quoting C172heavy (Reply 42): And that's really saying something, considering Airbus is responsible for the aesthetic monstrosity known as the A340!

Whoooah, I'd have to disagree with you there.



The A340-300 is a great looking aircraft, to an extent the -500, too: It has more muscle.

The 600 is odd, granted, considering we're all used to to the 300/500 length.

hehe. Very nice pictures indeed. Thank you for that. I really love the plane despite of what some say and i really hope the A380 will become a great success. Go ahead airbus, i really love that design and shire size.

Cheers
Matt

1st post on a.net really nice to join the aviation community after reading the forum for a long time it was time to join.

Quoting Braybuddy (Reply 41): You know those good wines, great records and a thousand other things that you didn't like at first? After a while you got to like and love them, and they end-up being so much better than the run-of-the-mill stuff. Looks-wise the A380 is in that category.

yeah, and you know all those terrible songs, terrible wines, terrible cars, and terrible peices of art that you hate the first time you see, hear, or taste and then hate for the rest of your life?

the a380 is going to be in that category for me. i like balance, proportionality, and symetry in my planes. love the 777, love the 757. all their parts are the right size in proportion to other parts.

the damn face of the a380 is stupid looking, like a person with a forehead that is way too big. it ain't gonna get any cuter with age! if anything, new planes will come along and make it uglier still.

It's a bit of an ugly pig, I have to admit, but man is it ever huge! I can't wait to see one with my own eyes. Another thing that impresses me though is the strength of that bridge. No support beam in the middle or anything. Can you imagine if the whole program had to be delayed because the aircraft was taken out by a wonky bridge? Just goes to show how many things probably need to be taken into consideration for this aircraft. Kudos to the bridgemakers.

She's an ugly bird but....jesus.... she's impressive. That first pic makes the A340-600 at her side look tiny! Wow.

Quoting Tockeyhockey (Reply 46): the A380 is going to be in that category for me. I like balance, proportionality, and symmetry in my planes. Love the 777, love the 757. All their parts are the right size in proportion to other parts

The 757 looks so long and small, so not really "right" sizes. The 767 would be better in that category!

So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look?





Either way the plane looks good, I just want to see it FLY!

The 380 is an impressive plane. The wings are elegant, but the body isn't - it's just functional and there is nothing wrong with that. The -900 is definitely a more balanced design. I think A would have been better starting with the -900 and then shrinking it to the -800.

Seeing one up close will probably be the way to best judge the plane and I think most people will be very impressed as it is a massive engineering effort.

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 48): So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look?

I'd say they are trying more for the "Right Stuff" look. Sadly, another example of looking to the USA for direction.  

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 49): So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look?

ROTFLMAO!    They do! BTW, what's the purpose of those orange suits... do they really need them?

There was no doubt the engines were huge. But the rest of the plane looked pretty small & short, but compared to these pics I must say that I am overwhelmed.

Does anyone the precise date of the maiden flight? Airbus website mentiones it will be pretty soon.

Quoting Glideslope (Reply 50): I'd say they are trying more for the "Right Stuff" look. Sadly, another example of looking to the USA for direction.

I don't think so.

  

Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again... 

I never seen them Thanks for posting them!

Quoting Aerosol (Reply 18): Here`s a pic of the stretch version (380-900): http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/stevem...il?.dir=47b3&.dnm=2ff8.jpg&.src=ph I think it this one looks elegant!!!!!

I agree. Although it still won't match the grace of an A330 or 777, I always felt that the -900 was going to be the better looker. I still wish though that Airbus would have given the A380 a sharper nose like the A330/A340.

Quoting Tockeyhockey (Reply 44): yeah, and you know all those terrible songs, terrible wines, terrible cars, and terrible pieces of art that you hate the first time you see, hear, or taste and then hate for the rest of your life? the a380 is going to be in that category for me

Sounds like you got your mind made up for the rest of your life! While it may be great to know what you're going to like and not going to like in thirty years time, give me the freedom to change my mind!!!

Quoting Tockeyhockey (Reply 44): the damn face of the a380 is stupid looking, like a person with a forehead that is way too big. it ain't gonna get any cuter with age! if anything, new planes will come along and make it uglier still.

If all we're going to get is boring twins, give me individuality any day. . .

Quoting Ants (Thread starter): The test crew in front of the plane: http://www.airbus.com/MultimediaElem...6.jpg

The other photos are really awesome to look at... but damn... I gotta say that has to be the sorriest looking group of test pilots I've ever seen. "These jokers are going to be flying the most advanced plane in the world?"

They should have at least asked ME to be part of the test crew... bring some good looks to the group  

-UH60

"UGLIEST jet in the skies!"

i think this 747 transporter is probably going to be the ugliest in the sky:




the a389 def looks much better compared to the a388. some aeroplanes look better when they're longer, like the b764 is so much more beautiful compared to the pudgy b762.

I do like the stretch 900 more. Plus it really looks bigger and longer than the A346, B773 and B744.

When is the A380 flying? Is it this month?

Thank you for sharing those great pictures!  

Quoting Glideslope (Reply 50): I'd say they are trying more for the "Right Stuff" look. Sadly, another example of looking to the USA for direction.

Hmmm, methinks the French have their own right stuff. If there ever is something the French (and Italians) can do it's look stylish.

Quoting CURLYHEADBOY (Reply 51): Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 49): So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look? ROTFLMAO! rotfl They do! BTW, what's the purpose of those orange suits... do they really need them?

In case something happens and they have to bail out, orange is a good color to wear. It attracts insects (it does!) and rescue crews.

Before anyone else is going to make an ass of himself by making disparaging comments on the 380 aircrew's look, the orange suit was initially mandatory for flight testing, as the test base is Istres and most of the test flights done over water.
This regulation nowadays applies to the Canadair and Tracker fire fighting aircrews for the same reason.Like here :
http://www.net-aviation.com/reportages/01/FR_report_p2.htm

Same thing for North Sea heli pilots.

Quoting CURLYHEADBOY (Reply 51):

Quoting CURLYHEADBOY (Reply 51): They do! BTW, what's the purpose of those orange suits... do they really need them?

Testpilots always wear orange suits, orange can easier be spotted by rescue crews when floating in the sea in case it really goes wrong...

Quoting BoeingForEver (Reply 36): Dont forget to thank the government for their illegal subsidies

BFE, You're a cracked-record. Boring! Grow up or save your comments for another occaision.

Why so many more windows in the A340 vs the number of windows in one floor of the A380? Are the windows in the A380 farther appart, or is the A340-600 much, much longer?

Seems like both from the first picture. And thanks for posting it, I agree, the first one is the best Ive seen so far.

She is growing on me ....ugly but interesting....i still can't get over the size of her --the new pics just have me starring at her for ages.....

I live on the flight path to MIA -as I type all sorts are taking off overhead -its a busy Friday night -now, I can't wait to see Miss A380 blast overhead , if and when she comes to MIA...but if she does what sights and sounds I will see....magic !  )

It's an ugly plane does absolutely nothing for me either.

Here's another photo from testing. Great work by French Frogs Airslides (as always).

View Large View Medium

Photo © French Frogs AirSlides

Any ideas as to why so much smoke is coming out of that engine??   

Quote: Any ideas as to why so much smoke is coming out of that engine.

I'm thinking that it could be De-ice fluid aircraft washing fluid or just general smoke from engine start up... Am I right or wrong?


Just a question is the flight deck on the upper level like the 747 or is it on the bottom??


Fly Safe
-Carl

This usually always happens during the first run of an engine, many of the parts haven'y been fully lubricated yet.

I think it always happen during the first run of an engine. Yet I would be surprised if the manufacturer had not run the engine before delivering it. Maybe it is something they put in it during transport... I'm sure someone here knows.

Quoting AirEMS (Reply 69): Just a question is the flight deck on the upper level like the 747 or is it on the bottom??

In the middle..

guys I couldn't paste the picture here but I don't think I saw this picture on A.net. Check out the link. The first picture on the page is amazing and from that angle the much debated nose actually looks gorgeous
http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%20tractage%2006avril2005.htm

[Edited 2005-04-09 04:34:53]

They should have installed glass on the upper-front section of the A380, that way people could have a good view of what is ahead. It would be like a huge viewing area, much like the bridge of the star-ship entiprise.

Can't wait to see it FedEx colors!!!!

Wonder if FDX will do any modification to their livery for the intro of this jet?

Any idea on what the projected unit operating cost is?

Thank you.

Gokmengs......thanks for the link, but those photos make The Monstrosity look even worse...I want to see it next to a 747-400 to really see how big this thing is!

Quoting Aerosol (Reply 18): Here`s a pic of the stretch version (380-900): http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/stevem...il?.dir=47b3&.dnm=2ff8.jpg&.src=ph I think it this one looks elegant!!!!!

I find the sheer size of the A380 amazing, but am not too crazy about its looks. However, the A380-900 looks incredible!!!(I never thought I would say that!) Good job Airbus! WOW! That is one good lookin' bird right there! The nose looks 101% better! Hope it sounds good too!

Quoting Jutes85 (Reply 74): They should have installed glass on the upper-front section of the A380, that way people could have a good view of what is ahead. It would be like a huge viewing area, much like the bridge of the star-ship entiprise.

That would have been cool, but expensive.

my 2c worth

The a380 looks like a fantastic jet
It does bring a tear to my eye when you see how far the european continents have come in the past 60 years.

I cant wait to see this beauty fly, to see it in revenue service and to fly on her!

The smoke during first engines runs is usually a mixture of unburnt fuel and inhibiting oil that is blown through during dry cranks. Usually before the first light-up I would've thought.
The orange flying suits are standard for most test crews including the one I used to work for.

D

Quoting AirEMS (Reply 69): Any ideas as to why so much smoke is coming out of that engine?? confused

Essentially globuals of cold oil residue that remain insde the static engine burning frantically as the hot bleed air and ignition sparks enter the chambers, not uncommon to see this amount of smoke at a first-run, flames too.

Quoting Gladave (Reply 79): It does bring a tear to my eye when you see how far the european continents have come in the past 60 years.

Thank you, post WWII restructuring, even though it's something that's never mentioned around here.

On a side note, it'll be nice to see this gal fly and see her impact on the world economy in the airliner market. She's fat, but it'll be great to see how far the junk in her trunk carries her.

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 48): So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look?

Quoting Ken777 (Reply 49): I'd say they are trying more for the "Right Stuff" look. Sadly, another example of looking to the USA for direction

Gotta think that not everything comes from the other side of the pond guys.

Look at this picture from 1969 with the British Concorde flight test crew...

http://www.concordesst.com/history/testing69/flightestteam.jpg

These orange suits have been used for years, and are not based on some pathetic movies.

Quoting Ants (Reply 68): Any ideas as to why so much smoke is coming out of that engine?? confused

The fuel system of the engine (FCU, hydromechanical unit, fuel pump) gets preserved with a stickyoil for storage, to prevent internal corrosion. Normal procedure for a fist run is to first to wet motor the engine (crank it with the starter for a few minutes, wih ignition off and fuel on) to wash this oil out of the fuel components (it disolves in fuel) and then dry motor the engine (crank it with the starter, without fuel and ignition) to blow the fuel and oil out of the combustion chamber before starting it for the first time.
If there is not enough time you can start the engine right away, but it will produce lots of smoke for the first 1-2 minutes. On one occasion we fogged in the whole ramp of TSF in Italy (unscheduled engine change on a B757 after a heavy engine stall), on another occasion in CGN I got chidded by the fire fighters, who turned out in force, why I didn´t notify ground control about the possibility of heavy smoke when I got my engine run clearance.

Jan

Quoting MD11Engineer (Reply 84): ...on another occasion in CGN I got chidded by the fire fighters, who turned out in force, why I didn´t notify ground control about the possibility of heavy smoke when I got my engine run clearance. Jan

Hehe, great. 

Quoting Knoxibus (Reply 83): Gotta think that not everything comes from the other side of the pond guys. Look at this picture from 1969 with the British Concorde flight test crew... http://www.concordesst.com/history/testing69/flightestteam.jpg These orange suits have been used for years, and are not based on some pathetic movies.

*shakes head and cries a little bit*

So now we're going to get in a battle over who came up with a Goddamn orange jumpsuit to pull some sad-sack out of the drink? Wow! We as a planet are in worse shape than I thought. I had some hope with the unity shown at the... umm... death ceremony of a famous religious leader (so as not to offend anyone) with people from almost every nation and religion, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists and Agnostics. Chirac, Bush, and Schroeder can giggle and play on worldwide television, but someone behind a keyboard can turn this into a EU vs. US based on a freaking ORANGE JUMPSUIT?

Sad.

I'm inclined to agree... a bit of a sad debate, guys.  

Going from left to right the second man from the left's name is Fernando Alonso

The same name as the man currently leading the Formula One World Championship, who happens to look like this


Just in case anyone was interested.

Quoting Daevosh (Reply 65): Why so many more windows in the A340 vs the number of windows in one floor of the A380? Are the windows in the A380 farther appart, or is the A340-600 much, much longer?

The length of the A 340-600 is 75.30 meters (264 feet 11 inch), the A 380 is 73 meters (239' 3'').

This looks truly maginificent, great job Airbus  

Sam  

Quoting BoeingForEver (Reply 36): Dont forget to thank the government for their illegal subsidies

Bad luck ! Airbus loans are legal, contrary to the amount given for the 787.

I like this pic, the big fat girl looks slim and gorgeous, and show her best attributes from this angle. This pic could sell her on the frontpages!

The page below has some additional photos of the A380 during testing on Friday afternoon.

There sure is a lot of smoke pouring out of those engines.   

http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%20run%2008avril2005.htm

Quoting Sebolino (Reply 92): I like this pic, the big fat girl looks slim and gorgeous, and show her best attributes from this angle. This pic could sell her on the frontpages!

You're absolutely right. looks so slim and awesome on this picture. Really shows the real beauty of that plane. Hope to see it for real in the near future.
Really impressive indeed and thanks to the photographer for that perfect angle.

Cheers
matt

Quoting Ants (Reply 94): The page below has some additional photos of the A380 during testing on Friday afternoon. There sure is a lot of smoke pouring out of those engines. eek http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%...5.htm

Holy crap. Thanks for that link! I've not been a fan (at all) of the appearance of this gal, but the nose-on shot at the bottom... simply beautiful. That wing structure is so graceful, and it gives a nice perspective on how tall that tail really is.

I love this pic because of the wings. They are looking like wings of an Albatros.

Quoting AlitaliaMD11 (Reply 35): Is that a Thai A340-600 I see in the first photo??? It looks like the TG A340-500 is in the backround of the first photo

You're absolutely right... I think they are both TG A345's. One of which has since been delivered to TG on Thursday or Friday. Any reg. on the second one yet?

Quoting Bill142 (Reply 89): The same name as the man currently leading the Formula One World Championship, who happens to look like this

Yeah and Boeing employ Scott Carson... aka. Liverpools current #1 goalkeeper. Interesting double lives these guys have.   

From head on the A380 looks utterly amazing. Such beautiful wings. I think if/when they make the A380-900 it is going to look really well proportioned.   

Just for Info I noticed the BLG has no brake cooling fans on the rear axle, I had to wait for a photo that showed the rear of the A/C to confirm why.

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=321655

After looking at this pic you can see no brakes are fitted which makes sense, also the rear axle is steerable to prevent tyre scrubbing like the 777.

Rgds CCA

Quoting CCA (Reply 99): After looking at this pic you can see no brakes are fitted which makes sense

Weight saving?  

Quoting CCA (Reply 99): also the rear axle is steerable to prevent tyre scrubbing like the 777

Similar to the B747?

Appearance looks different but good.

Any idea as to why the wing is so thick?

Quoting Tomys (Reply 86): A340 is sexiest aircraft ever.

I think that title should go to this magnificent aircraft.

View Large View Medium

Photo © Loïc Roullier

  

No, on the 747 only the body gear is steerable, and it is done in a way similar to the nose gear, with two steering cylinders turning a steering collar, which will in turn turn the whole bogie through the scissors (torque link).

On the A380, as well as on the Tu-154 the rear two wheels on each bogie sit on a seperate section of the bogie, which is attached to the main bogie with a link around which it can turn.

Jan

Quoting ZR H (Reply 97): love this pic because of the wings. They are looking like wings of an Albatros.

Yeah you're right ZRH. You'd be very hard pressed to mistake the A380 front-on for a 747!!

View Large View Medium

Photo © Mark Hitzert

Quoting Wukka (Reply 96): That wing structure is so graceful, and it gives a nice perspective on how tall that tail really is.

Indeed it does, the tail looks massive from that angle!

Does anyone know if the tailfin contains fuel tanks like the 747 does?

Is it me or is it that on the front picture of the A380, the plane looks like the beluga?

Totally identical from the front!

Quoting Braybuddy (Reply 39): You know those good wines, great records and a thousand other things that you didn't like at first? After a while you got to like and love them, and they end-up being so much better than the run-of-the-mill stuff.

This a good analogy. I think the A380 will grow on people and will become the favorite for future enthusiasts. In a few years, those not old enough to remember the supremacy of the 747 will not share the enthusiasm that many of us old-timers have for the original jumbo jet.

I am set in my ways as a diehard fan of Boeing and will not be among 380 funs most likely. In my opinion, Airbus produces ugly airplanes in general with the notable exception of the A330-200 which is an aesthetic masterpiece. And I will give credit to the 345. As a revision to the 340-200/300, the 345 seems like a chick that was butt ugly as a child but turned out as a decent-looking woman..

Quoting Monteycarlos (Reply 99): Quoting CCA (Reply 99): also the rear axle is steerable to prevent tyre scrubbing like the 777 Similar to the B747?

As MD11Engineer points out, on the 747 the entire rear bogies steer through the leg. On the 777 the rear axle of the bogie steers through the bogie.

Quoting ZRH (Reply 89): The length of the A 340-600 is 75.30 meters (264 feet 11 inch), the A 380 is 73 meters (239' 3'').

Wrong. 75.30 metres is 247 feet 1 inch

The "Albatros" is so beautiful!!!! 

Does anyone know yet what the landing gear will look like while the aircraft is airborne? I hope it looks like the 747s and not the A340-500/600. The A340-500/600 looks like a complete cock up!

Quoting Osteogenesis (Reply 8): People that criticize a new aircraft because of their looks are not real aviation enthusiasts like me.

As much as that sounds arrogant, I agree. IMO, commenting either for or against its looks still qualifies as asthetic judgement, which is technically inappropriate either way. The only thing I bitch about is mascara.

Quoting EuroBonus (Reply 92): I like this pic, the big fat girl looks slim and gorgeous, and show her best attributes from this angle. This pic could sell her on the frontpages!

Many people are used to a standard FCS, that is why A380's side profile appears disporportioned, they should see the front more; particularly the top/bottom, but that is difficult.

The A380 is a great looking plane for me! Can't wait to see her flying!!  

BTW This is my first post!

Try checking out the latest pics of her taxing on her own - How beutiful she is heading on this forum Now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nomad   

Quoting Nomad (Reply 113): Try checking out the latest pics of her taxing on her own - How beutiful she is heading on this forum Now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

..and first time I've seen it with its lights on too. This photo is from yesterday (Saturday 9th April).

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=322031

Finally, Taxi trials really begin !!!!!!
see link :

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=322031

Nomad  

Quoting BoeingFever777 (Reply 48): So is it me or is Airbus going with "Armageddon" look?

I was gonna say that as well...  

Quoting Aerosol (Reply 18): Here`s a pic of the stretch version (380-900): http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/stevem...rc=ph

That impression looks a little bit too stretched to be the -900.

http://www.content.airbusworld.com/S...a/docs/AC/DATA_CONSULT/AC_A380.pdf
This 11 Mbit file contains all you always wanted to know about the A380...

The website below provides a report and some nice photos of the first autonomous taxi tests carried out on the A380 Saturday evening.

My french is bad so could somebody please give a translation of the page? I was only able to work out a few points, such as the fact that tests took place around 6.30pm, but it also talks about the engines being tested at 75% of full power? Can someone please clarify that?

http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/actualites...us-a380-premier-roulage-essais.php

Photos:
http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/photos-airbus-a380/premierroulage.jpg
http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/photos-airbus-a380/premierroulage1.jpg
http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/photos-airbus-a380/premierroulage2.jpg
http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/photos-airbus-a380/premierroulage3.jpg (this one shows an Air France A318 (I think) in front of the A380).

http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%...premier%20roulage%209avril2005.htm

[Edited 2005-04-10 09:56:47]

Besides providing good photo opportunities, how is A380 testing progressing along? Has Airbus done high-speed taxi tests yet?

Quoting Ants (Reply 119): http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/photos-airbus-a380/premierroulage3.jpg (this one shows an Air France A318 (I think) in front of the A380).

Looks like a 735.

Quoting Lehpron (Reply 111): The only thing I bitch about is mascara.

Sorry but my English is not so good. What do you mean by mascara?

I am really so proud of Europe! It is great that we finally are learning to work together and not against each other. Europe is capable of great thinks.

  

Reply96, don't forget the photo source/author please.

my special page for A380

"towed to flight test"
http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/airbus_gamme_index.htm

"first run"
http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%20run%2008avril2005.htm

"first rolling"
http://membres.lycos.fr/airbus/A380%...premier%20roulage%209avril2005.htm (all pictures reject by A.net but better than Aeroweb isn't it ?)
 

Quoting Ants (Reply 119): The website below provides a report and some nice photos of the first autonomous taxi tests carried out on the A380 Saturday evening. My french is bad so could somebody please give a translation of the page? I was only able to work out a few points, such as the fact that tests took place around 6.30pm, but it also talks about the engines being tested at 75% of full power? Can someone please clarify that? http://www.aeroweb-fr.net/actualites...s.php

Translation:

The Airbus A380 today completed its first autonomous taxiing.

To recall, the A380 was delivered on the 6th April for Airbus flight testing. Yesterday, Friday the 8th, the testing team completed its first engine tests in the "Bikini" test area of Toulouse Blagnac airport.
Then today, Saturday the 9th April at 18h30, the A380 autonomously re-entered the "Bikini" test area at 'the trough', taking taxiway 32 (14 right) of the Tououse airport. This taxiing test is the first the aircraft has made in an automonous fashion, using only the power of its engines.

At the same time, the tests of the engines were made at up to 75% of full power.

The angle of the pic in OzGlobals post makes it look really amazing. Those wings have MUSCLE!

Quoting Ants (Reply 119): (this one shows an Air France A318 (I think) in front of the A380).

That's not an A318; it looks like a Boeing 737-500.

But those pictures of the A380-800 MSN001 taxiing around on its own power looks great!   

Quoting RayChuang (Reply 127): That's not an A318; it looks like a Boeing 737-500.

You're right, and the profiles look amazingly similar, even if one is much larger than the other

Quoting Osteogenesis (Reply 122): Sorry but my English is not so good. What do you mean by mascara?

The stuff women put on their eyes. Make up...

Quoting Osteogenesis (Reply 122): Sorry but my English is not so good. What do you mean by mascara?

I was talking about carrier/company livery, generally I do not give a crap for how artsy one is over another, as long as it is to the point. White gets dirty easily, I would have painted A380 differently, though it would have taken several months. 

Ok, ok. Now I know what you mean.

I also don't like the all white body. But I guess they do it in order to detect problems easier.

Here is a better pic of the engine size of an A380