Airbus A310
Initially named A300B10, the plane is then a shortened version of the A300B. Numerous aerodynamic and electronic modifications are brought: New wing profile, a redesigned rear fuselage, partial introduction of Fly by Wire and an EFIS cockpit.
The first flight takes place on April 3rd, 1982. This plane is the 162nd Airbus off the production line, and is powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. The first machines will be delivered to Lufthansa and Swissair from March 1983.
The A310-200F is a cargo version and the A310-200C is a convertible machine.
The A310-300 is a heavier version of the 200 equipped with an additional fuel tank in the horizontal stabilizer that is first flown in July 1985. The A310-300C was a convertible passenger/cargo version where the seats could be removed for cargo pallets to be loaded instead.
Military users
The A310 has been operated as a pure transport by many of the world's airforces, however, some were converted to a "Multi Role Tanker Transport" configuration, providing the A310 MRTT an aerial refueling capability. Deliveries began in 2004.
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