The A310 first began life as the A300B10, one of a number of projected developments and derivatives of AirbusÂ’ original A300B airliner.

 

While based on the larger A300, the A310 introduced a number of major changes. The fuselage was shortened by 13 frames compared to the A300B, reducing seating to around 200 to 230 passengers and a new higher aspect ratio wing of smaller span and area was developed. New and smaller horizontal tail surfaces, fly-by-wire outboard spoilers and a two crew EFIS flightdeck were incorporated, while the engine pylons were common to suit both engine options.

 

The first flight of the A310 occurred on April 3 1982, after the program was launched in July 1978. Service entry was with Lufthansa in April 1983. Early production A310s did not have the small winglets that became a feature of later build A310-200s and the A310-300. The A310-300 is a longer range development of the base A310-200, and has been in production since 1985. This version can carry a further 7000kg (15,430lb) of fuel in the tailplane.

 

The A310-200F freighter is available new build or as a conversion of existing aircraft (13 A310s were converted to freighters for Federal Express by Airbus partner Daimler Benz [now DaimlerChrysler] Aerospace Airbus). The A310-200C convertible passenger/freighter first entered service with Dutch operator Martinair in 1984.

 

Variants

A310-200

The first A310, the 162nd Airbus off the production line, made its maiden flight in April 1982 powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. The -200 entered service with Swissair and Lufthansa a year later. Also the late series -200 also featured winglets just like the -300.

 

A310-200C

A convertible version, the seats can be removed and cargo placed on the main deck.

A310-3003

First flown in July 1985, the -300 has an increased MTOW and an increase in range, provided by additional centre and horizontal stabilizer (trim-tank) fuel tanks. This model also introduced wingtip fences to improve aerodynamic efficiency, a feature that has since been retrofitted to some -200s. The aircraft entered service in 1986, again with Swissair. No production freighters of the A310 were produced. Operators such as FedEx instead adapt ex-airline A310s into freighters. Most have been the -300 version.

 

A310-300C

A convertible passenger/cargo version, the seats can be removed and cargo placed on the main deck.

 

A310 MRTT

A310 MRTT of the German Luftwaffe A310 MRTT:The A310 has been operated by many of the world’s airforces as a pure transport, however some are now being converted to the “Multi Role Tanker Transport” configuration by EADS, providing an aerial refueling capability. Six have been ordered; four by the German Luftwaffe and two by the Canadian Forces. Deliveries began in 2004. Three are being converted at EADS’ Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Dresden, Germany; the other three at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, Germany. The Chilean Air Force has recently purchased two second-hand A310s to replace its ageing 707-320 ’Aguila’ tanker and transports. The first was received in October 2007.

 

Operators

Military operators

The A310 has been used by the armed forces of the following countries:

 

Belgium - Belgian Air Component
Canada - Canadian Forces Air Command - designated CC-150 Polaris
France - French Air Force
Germany - German Air Force
Spain - Spanish Air Force
Thailand - Royal Thai Air Force
Pakistan - Pakistan Air Force

 

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• Airbus A310 - 200F Canadian Armed Forces - Military Airplanes - Jet
• Airbus A310-300 CSA - Private & Civilian