A380 Passes Major Milestone: RTO Braking Test

It's reported by Flight International today that the Airbus A380 passed the maximum effort rejected takeoff braking test in good form. Here's how it's done.

The aircraft is loaded to maximum takeoff weight-in this case, 1,487,000 pounds. A set of brakes that are 90 per cent worn out are installed. The aircraft is then taxied and run to V1, which is 167 knots, and then all hell breaks loose as the aircraft is brought to a stop with the wheel brakes only.

It's a good day for the A380 program, and it's also a good day for the fine folks at Honeywell's Bendix Wheels and Brakes Division and their partners at Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems in the U.K..

You can see what happens in an A380 brake pack at maximum effort on the test bench here.