Cold-weather testing for the Airbus A350 (pictures)
Making sure the new energy-efficient jet works fine at minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit, the French aircraft maker takes its A350 to northern Canada. Here's a look at the testing.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
In cold-weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada, the Airbus A350 XWB has to show that it can start even after standing for extended periods in very cold temperatures, handle aborted takeoffs, and stop in the snow with the aid of thrust reverses.
3 of 4 Airbus/Master Films/H. Gousse
Airbus A350 XWB cold-weather testing
The Airbus A350X on a runway in Iqaluit, Canada. The company has put the aircraft through 900 hours of testing over 200 flights.
4 of 4 Airbus/Master Films/H. Gousse
Airbus A350 XWB cold-weather testing
The Airbus A350 XWB, in cold-weather testing at Iqaluit, Canada, has to show that it works in temperatures as low as minus 18 Fahrenheit, including engine starts and low-speed taxiing.
