Aircraft

Airbus is poised to select the supplier for the A350 XWB's all-new flightdeck, which could see avionics rivals linking up to provide the equipment.

The A350 flightdeck is an all-new design incorporating six identical rectangular horizontal screens measuring 15in (38cm) diagonally across. According to Airbus executive vice-president for programmes and procurement Tom Williams, the airframer is evaluating bids from its traditional flightdeck systems supplier Thales as well as Honeywell and Rockwell Collins.

"We're very close to a decision. We may decide to get them to work together," says Williams.

The new cockpit configuration is a major departure from that of the A380. It has two central displays mounted one above the other (the lower one on the centre console in front of the thrust levers), and a single primary flight/navigation display in front of each pilot with an on-board information system screen adjacent to it.

Airbus has already chosen several major systems suppliers for the XWB including Goodrich (engine nacelle and thrust reverser), Honeywell (auxiliary power unit and air management system) Moog (primary flight control actuation system), Messier-Dowty and Liebherr-Aerospace (landing gear) and Rockwell Collins (trimmable horizontal stabiliser actuator).

Williams says that while he is pleased with the way the A350 system supplier selection is proceeding, the aerostructures side of the programme has proved "more problematic" due to the ongoing discussions about the sale of Airbus production sites to partners. "We may have to order long-lead items such as the tape-laying machines and autoclaves before we finalise the sale of the plants," he says. This will ensure that the production timetable for the new aircraft is not disrupted by the delay in finalising the production partner tie-ups, he adds.

read more about the A350 at http://www.flightglobal.com/a350xwb