Photos: Airbus powers up cockpit of first A350 XWB MSN1

European airframer Airbus has successfully powered-up the flight-deck of A350 XWB “MSN1” for the first time, following the initial application of electrical power to the aircraft’s front fuselage.

The front fuselage was delivered to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse two weeks ago.

Flight-deck power-on is an important step on the route to complete aircraft power-on and first flight, because it enables most systems functional checking to be undertaken.

Achieving this nearly a year before first flight, will allow Airbus engineers early identification and resolution of potential issues, and the company hopes, thus help protect the aircraft’s development schedule.

Testing of the front fuselage section will proceed during this summer. This will be followed by the powering on of the entire fuselage later this year, when it is constructed.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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