Airbus A310
Airbus · Multinational (Europe) · first flew 1982 · airliner
The Airbus A310 is a shortened, longer-range derivative of the A300, designed as a smaller twin-aisle widebody for medium and long-haul routes.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Shortened A300-derived fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Shortened A300-derived fuselage
- Wingtip fences
- Twin underwing turbofans
It resembles the A300 but with a noticeably shorter fuselage, giving a stubbier look, plus small upturned wingtip fences on the swept wings.
Specifications
- The Airbus A310 has a length of 46.66 m (153 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 43.89 m (144 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 901 km/h (560 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 3 April 1982, the A310 entered service in 1983 with a new, more efficient wing and an advanced two-crew glass cockpit. It sold steadily through the 1980s before being overtaken by newer Airbus families.
Variants
The A310-200 was the initial model, with the longer-range A310-300 adding tail fuel tanks and wingtip fences. Freighter and military tanker-transport conversions extended the type's life considerably.
Where you'll see it
The A310 was operated into UK airports by various European and long-haul carriers through the 1980s and 1990s, and remained a familiar Heathrow and Gatwick visitor before fading from passenger fleets.
Related aircraft
- Airbus A300-600
- Airbus A320
- Airbus A340-300
- Airbus A300
- BAe 146-200
- Boeing 747-300
- Boeing 757
- Boeing 757-200
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