Posted on 06/12/2005 6:43:05 AM PDT by Arkie2
Suggest they park the 380 next to the Spruce Goose.
I can't help but wonder if the recent spate of Boeing sales are being driven by the Airbus jet that lost it's tail fin over the Caribbean. The French can bribe local airline executives and their supervising politicians -- but no bribe is big enough if the product is going to crash. A tank that breaks down is not a big problem since most of them outside the US/UK/Australia are ever going to be used. A passenger jet liner that breaks down in air is going to publicly kill the passengers and the owning airline's reputation.
Yeah, and it's going to be six months late being delivered. That delay may be the first of many. I think Airbus has hit the shoals with this plane and Boeing will soon be announcing the enhanced 747 which may actually come to market ahead of the A-380.
Don't forget that the American Airlines plane that broke up after takeoff from JFK after 9-11 was an Airbus. Even though the accident report cited overly aggressive control inputs by the F/O there was, and is, a suspicion that the composite rudder failed due to design error.
My personal name for the A380 is "The Albatross."
I think it looks like world's largest albatross, bird of ill omen. May it be the proverbial albatross around Airbus' neck.
Of course, if there is a problem, is it really a design error? Or is it a material problem that's just now coming out as we get enough usage hours on composite wings and tails?
Hmm, perhaps this Boeing turnaround is really due to it's ex-boss playing French leader with his subordinate? *g*
But I think Airbus learned its lesson: the tail design on the A330/A340 models are vastly stronger and subject to more stringent maintanence procedures, and Airbus has been extremely careful with the A380 tail design for the very same reason.
Now, if Boeing just had the guts to bring the 787 in over Paris with a full barrel roll...
A380:
What is amazing was the media tsunami that happened a few months ago with this plane. It was 380 this ... air bus that... now you look below the surface and there is a stench of death...
Boeing has made huge stides in efficiency recently, outsourcing much of their engineering and manufacturing work to Russia, Japan and India. Where a few years ago it would take Boeing 22 days to build a typical commercial jetliner, that should come down to just 3 days in the near future due to "just-in-time" deliveries throughout their entire supply chain.
Each probably about as effective as a pop gun in the hands of a Quaker.
The Gripen is actually a pretty competent bird, roughly as capable as one of our F-15E's.
The Rafale is still having problems, and the EF2000 isn't getting traction either.
I read a figure almost twice that from European papers with a total launch aid request of $4bln.
You know, all passenger aircraft manufacturers have produced products that have had serious flaws and many have even crashed. Boeing certainly has had its share of screw-ups.
Despite hating the French government and the arrogance of most of its citizens, I happen to LOVE Airbus aircraft. To be honest, I feel more comfortable in them than in Boeings. The interiors of all that I've ridden in were much nicer.
Sure, Airbus pays bribes to get sales - common business practice in Europe (and is expected in Asia) - but this doesn't detract from the fact the quality and regulation-obsessed Europeans have produced a mighty-fine aircraft.
I for one happen to believe Boeing has gotten sloppy when its American rivals went the way of the dodo. Competition is good for all of us. It is in everyone's best interest to have two major rivals competing to make the better product.
This should be good theater.
I'd vote for a tailslide or hammerhead stall.
Didn't that 707 test pilot decide to do his roll over Seattle on his own authority and guts?
As someone said yesterday "Airflop380".
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