Airbus A380 first production shots

[RIC_BARKER]

Just thought you might like to see these images I've found of the new A380. Front section only, and I presume it's a mock up, as there is no radome, but it looks full size to me.

Looks............[glb]BIG[/glb]

[Deputy]

I have seen some a while back, that are REALLY impressive. Ok, and, one more thing, thats not the fullsize mockup. Everybody somehow thinks it is, but, apparently, its 15/16 (go figure. . . ) of the full A380. Also, everyone should notice two different things, its being built like no plane ever has. Can anyone guess what I am talking about?

(HINT - No visible _ _ _ _ _ _ )

[SilverFox441]

customers?

panty lines?

No visible what?

It's a mock-up stuff that's missing is the same stuff missing on most mock-ups?

[Craig.]

no visiable nose cone?
roof  wings:)

[Smoke2much]

Panels?

Will

[Craig.]

little rivets thingys screws or whatever they are called

[BAW19]

Joints?
Notice the staircase!

[Deputy]

little rivets thingys screws or whatever they are called

Rivets.
Good, and now for the other part. . . . What is different about its construction - How are ships built?

[Craig.]

its being built in segments

[Mr. Bones]

they use GLARE, a new carbon fiber. first time they use it in an aircraft.

[RIC_BARKER]

Yeah, I've seen GLARE used before in other aplications. It's not really a carbon firbe, more a glass fibre and aluminium composite sandwich. It has the ability to bridge cracks, and is lighter than just plain 2024-T3 ally.

[Mr. Bones]

Yeah, I've seen GLARE used before in other aplications. It's not really a carbon firbe, more a glass fibre and aluminium composite sandwich. It has the ability to bridge cracks, and is lighter than just plain 2024-T3 ally.

...you're right...i was too fast...i'm glad i had the name right.  ;)