Airfrance A380 (1/125 Scale)

In the early 1990s, the managers of the Airbus consortium began studying the possibility of producing a “mega jumbo jet” capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and therefore able to compete directly with the Boeing 747. The first studies did not begin before 1994, when the project was given the name A-3XX. After initial consideration a rather unusual configuration, with a double tail fin and a fuselage with a large cross-section, Airbus finally decided to retain a more conventional design with a single tail fin, but with two passenger decks, one on top of the other. Production of the first elements began in 2002, with more than 6,000 people working on this project across a number of different sites. In fact, one of the outstanding features of this programme has been the close links formed between the various production sites, which are able to share information in real time via the ACE (Airbus Concurrent Engineering) system on which all data is instantly made available online.

The different parts of the aircraft are produced over sixteen sites across the whole of Europe, as well as one site in Indonesia and another in India. The various component units are then put together at the final assembly line on the Toulouse-Blagnac site.

The Air France A380 is equipped with GP7000 engines produced by Engine Alliance with a thrust of 311 kN. This powerplant enables the A380 to fly at more than 900 km/hr despite the impressive weight.

Two initial aircraft entered into service in late 2009. Number “F-HPJA” was the first to receive the new Air France livery, which will eventually feature on the entire fleet. By this date, Airbus Industrie had received a firm order from Air France for 24 A380 Aircraft.

Models & Model Kits are supplied unpainted and unassembled unless otherwise noted.