However, a version equipped with the IAE’s V2500-A1 was soon made available. Initially, the A320 was only powered by CFM International’s CFM56-5-A1. The A320 is the first Airbus to offer customers a choice of powerplant. The overall effect was a lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft that had an MTOW of 78,000 kg (172,000 lbs) and a maximum payload of 18,0205 kg (40,136 lbs), which was higher than the competition. It is the first aircraft to use composite materials on flight surfaces. 15% of the A320 is made of composite materials. The Airbus A320 is typically configurated to carry between 140 – 170 passengers, but in a single-class configuration could hold a maximum of 186.Īirbus pioneered the use of composite materials in their aircraft and expanded its use with the A320. In March 1984, Airbus announced the A320, a single-aisle twinjet designed for short and medium-haul flights. In order to effectively compete with the well-established Boeing 737, Airbus decided to future-proof the A320, reduce manufacturing costs, and undercut Boeing. The aircraft would be powered by CFM International’s 56 series turbofan engines to accomplish this. The JET program aimed to create a single-aisle twinjet capable of ferrying roughly 150 passengers for around 5,000 km (2,699 nm). The JET program was initially independent of Airbus however, it would later be handed over to the company. In the late 1970’s stakeholders in the EU aviation industry saw the need to end the dominance of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in the single-aisle jetliner market, which led to the start of the JET (Joint European Transport) program.
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