D
Design effort
A new programme was initiated subsequently, called Joint European Transport( JET). This was set up in June 1977,[ 20 ] and was based at the then British Aerospace( formerly Vickers) site in Weybridge, Surrey, UK.
Although the members were all of Airbus ' partners, they regarded the project as a separate collaboration from Airbus. This project was considered the forerunner of Airbus A320, encompassing the 130- to 188-seat market, powered by two CFM56s.
It would have a cruise speed of Mach 0.84( faster than Boeing 737).[ 16 ] The programme was later transferred to Airbus, leading up to the creation of the Single-Aisle( SA) studies in 1980, led by former leader of JET programme, Derek Brown.
The group looked at three different variants, covering the 125- to 180-seat market, called SA1, SA2 and SA3. Although unaware at the time, the consortium was producing the blueprints for the A319, A320 and A321, respectively.
The single-aisle programme created divisions within Airbus about whether to design a shorter-range twinjet than a longer-range quadjet wanted by the West Germans, particularly Lufthansa. However, works proceeded, and the German carrier would eventually order the twinjet.
In February 1981, the project was re-designated A320, with efforts focused on the former SA2. During the year, Airbus worked with Delta Air Lines on a 150-seat aircraft envisioned and required by the airline. The A320 would carry 150 passengers 1,860 nautical miles( 3,440 km) using fuel from wing fuel tanks only.
The Dash 200 had more fuel through the activation of centre fuel tank, increasing fuel capacity from 15,590 litres( 3,429 imp gal) to 23,430 L( 5,154 imp gal), enabling flights with a distance of 2,850 nmi( 5,280 km). The aircraft would measure 36.04 m( 118 ft 3 in) and 39.24 m( 128 ft 9 in), respectively.
Airbus then had to decide on a cross-section for the A320. It considered a fuselage diameter of " the Boeing 707 and 727, or do something better”.
It eventually settled on a wider diameter, with the internal width at 3.7 m( 12 ft 2 in), compared to 3.45 m( 11 ft 4 in) of the Boeing aircraft. Although heavier, this specification allowed the aircraft to compete more effectively with the 737.
A irbus A320
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