European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has decided not to use lithium-ion batteries for its new A350 XWB (eXtra Wide Body) jetliner amid concerns that their use could lead to delays in the programme schedule.
Airbus will instead switch to traditional nickel-cadmium batteries for its wide body aircraft.
The European aeroplane manufacturer said that this move was in response to concerns that the investigations into the Boeing 787 Dreamliners‘ lithium-ion battery problems could lead to changes in regulations, which could affect A350’s entry into service schedule.
With the decision to switch to traditional and slightly heavier nickel-cadmium batteries, Airbus is seeking to limit development risks on its $15bn airliner.
The A350 is scheduled to take its maiden flight in the middle of year and undergo a series of flight tests prior to its certification from European aviation authorities by early 2014.
Airbus will use lithium-ion batteries for initial test flights of the A350, but will switch to traditional nickel-cadmium batteries before the aircraft enters into service in the second half of 2014.
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By GlobalDataInitially, Airbus planned to use four rechargeable lithium batteries on its A350 to provide electrical power on the ground and backup energy during the flight.
On 16 January, the FAA grounded all in-service 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worldwide after problems with its lithium ion batteries forced Japan’s ANA jetliner to make an emergency landing.
In addition, the Dreamliner has been affected by several safety incidents this year, including a crack in the window of the cockpit, an oil leak from a generator inside an engine, a brake problem, fuel spillage and an electrical issue that led to an onboard fire.
Image: The first A350 XWB flight test aircraft at Airbus’ final assembly line in Toulouse, France. Photo: courtesy of P Masclet / Airbus SAS.
