The Airbus A310 is a medium-to-long-range twin-engined wide-body jet airliner that was developed from the A300, the first airliner developed by Airbus Industrie. It's essentially a shortened version of the A300, designed for increased range and flexibility.
Here are some key characteristics:
- Type: Wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner.
- Capacity: Typically seats between 200 and 250 passengers, depending on the configuration.
- Range: Known for its good range capabilities for its size, allowing it to operate on transcontinental routes.
- First Flight: Flew for the first time in April 1982.
- Distinguishing Features: Compared to the A300, it has a shorter fuselage, a redesigned wing (which was also used on later A300 models), and a smaller horizontal stabilizer. It often features a distinctive, slightly "bulbous" nose section.
- Usage: Used by airlines for both passenger and cargo operations. Many have been converted to freighters.
- Status: While no longer in production for passenger versions (production ended in 1998 for passenger and 2007 for cargo), many A310s are still in service today, particularly as cargo aircraft or with military operators.
It was an important step in Airbus's development, establishing their presence in the long-range market before the introduction of the A330/A340 families.
