AIRBUS UNVEILS €39 MILLION LANDING GEAR TEST FACILITY

Airbus has opened its €39 million (£34 million) A350 XWB Landing Gear Systems Test Facility at its site in Filton near Bristol. Construction of the facility began in 2009. It accommodates the landing gear systems integrated rigs; an avionics suite with test benches known as Landing Gear Systems Functional Integration Benches; a control room from which all tests are co-ordinated; a parts store; and a viewing area for visitors. Approximately 30 full-time employees will work in the landing gear systems test facility when the rigs enter the initial test phase in mid-2011. The Airbus site at Filton is responsible for