Sep 24, 2008

Airbus A340

Airbus A340 is a 4-engines long range airliner based on Airbus A330, the main difference is the numbers of engines A330 (2 engines) and A340 (4 engines) and the body is longer and the bigger wings with the passenger capacity of around 260 seats (A340-200), 300 seats (A340-300) and over 320 - 380 seats (A340-500 and -600) - all based on 3 classes.

This airliner's biggest asset is the range from 7,500nm (close to 14,000km) to 9,000nm (over 16,000km). However, there are two major set backs regarding to A340 series. First, it is slow (cruising speed at 0.82-83 mach - other airliners around A340 can fly 0.85 mach). Another negative aspect is the kill off, fuel consumption is too bad.

A340 series are close to Boeing B777, both introduced in 1993, sales result is quite obvious that Boeing has sold more B777 than Airbus has sold A340. (however Airbus A330 series have been more success). A340-600 is currently the longest commercial airliner, until Boeing B747-800 will be launched.

Boeing B787 will be soon sold, Airbus A350 will be finally introduced and that will end the A340 short life.

For FSX

CLS (Commercial Level Simulations) sells A340-500, A340-600 payware add-ons CLS home page.

Free add-ons A340-200, -300 provided by POSKY

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