![Fuselage sections for the third A350 XWB were joined at the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. (Picture © Airbus.)](/media/h42gzpll/3719cb3d-41f5-4b01-b1c2-1b0e1a4a0342.jpg)
![The three fuselage sections for Airbus’ third A350 XWB following their transport to the final assembly line in Toulouse. (Picture © Airbus S.A.S. 2013/F. Lancelot.)](/media/wmtdhshc/762afc46-517a-461d-b940-62698cbe35c8.jpg)
![The three fuselage sections were joined. (Picture © Airbus S.A.S. 2013/F. Lepissier.)](/media/edbpwh55/7cd39895-b86d-4b4d-9eff-c32e3599fa9c.jpg)
The A350 XWB structure is 53% composite-based, including wings and fuselage.The aircraft is scheduled to make its first flight in 2013.
Designated MSN3, the third aircraft will be deployed for a variety of A350 XWB testing – including performance at high and medium altitudes, in cold weather and hot temperatures and on long-range flights.
Build-up activity for the third A350 XWB commenced during February on the final assembly line, where the aircraft’s three fuselage sections were transferred following their arrival in Toulouse aboard a Beluga transporter.
It joins the MSN5000 aircraft at Toulouse, currently undergoing preparations for static testing in another hangar, and MSN1, which is completing indoor ground evaluations.
See also:
- Airbus A350 XWB update (feature article)