AIRCRAFT
The Airbus A321, launched in November 1989, is a maximum commonality, minimum change, stretch of the A320, produced in response to market demand for an aircraft to serve on routes with higher traffic densities.
The 6.93m (22ft 9in) stretch, using plugs immediately in front of and directly behind the wing (13 extra fuselage frames), gives the A321 40% more underfloor hold volume than the A320 and 20% more seating (186 - 220 seats). The 8-frame front plug is 4.27m (14ft), the 5-frame rear plug is 2.67m (8ft 9in).
The wing area of the A321 is slightly enlarged, and the wing and center section have been strengthened. Double-slotted flaps are fitted to provide the additional low-speed lift needed for the additional weight and for the reduced rotation at take-off that results from the longer fuselage. The model is powered by 31,000lb-thrust versions of the CFM56-5 and IAE V2500 powerplants. Typical range for the A321-100 with 186 passengers is about 2,300 nautical miles (4,260 km), and MTOW is 83 tonnes.
Other changes include strengthening of the undercarriage to cope with the higher weights, a simplified and refined fuel system, and larger tires for better braking. Modifications to the flight controls allow the A321's handling characteristics to closely resemble the A320's. The A321 features an identical flightdeck to those of the A320 and A319, has common type rating for pilots flying the smaller two aircraft and cross crew qualification with the A330/340.
The A321 is the first of the Airbus family to have final assembly by EADS Deutsche Airbus (formerly DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus, or DASA) in Hamburg, Germany, and first flew on March 11, 1993.
The 30,000lb-thrust V2530-powered A321 was certificated by JAA (the European Joint Airworthiness Authorities) in December 1993 and Lufthansa took delivery of its first A321-100 (of 20) in January 1994. Launch customer for the Spring 1994-certificated CFM56-5B powered A321, Alitalia, took delivery of the first of its 40 A321s on March 22, 1994. These aircraft are configured in a 187-seat two-class layout.
The basic A321-100 features a reduction in range compared to the A320 as extra fuel tankage was not added to the initial design to compensate for the extra weight. To overcome this, in 1995 Airbus launched the development of the longer range, heavier A321-200, which has a transcontinental US range with full passenger load. This is achieved through higher thrust (about 33,000 lb) V2533-A5 or CFM56-5B3 engines, minor structural strengthening, and a 2900-liter (766 US gal/638 Imp gal) greater fuel capacity due to the installation of an ACT (additional center tank). This brings the range with 186 passengers up to about 3,000 nautical miles (5,500 km).
The A321-200 first flew from the Hamburg facilities in December 1996.
The A321's closest Boeing equivalents are the 737-900/-900ER and the 757-200 (no longer produced), though the A321 lacks the 757's transatlantic flight range and its "hot-and-heavy" operation capabilities due to less powerful engines.
As of November 2006, total deliveries of the A321 stand at 368.
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