Airbus A310 Family
The Airbus A310 is the compact, long-range widebody that transformed transatlantic economics. Developed as a shortened derivative of the A300 with an all-new supercritical wing and revolutionary two-crew electronic glass cockpit, the A310 proved that moderate-capacity twinjets could reliably cross oceans and serve thin long-haul routes.
A310 Family Technical Matrix
| Specification | A310-200 | A310-300 | A310 MRTT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Passenger Capacity | 218–240 (Max 280) | 220–240 (Max 280) | Military / 54 Pax / Medevac |
| Overall Length | 46.66 m / 153 ft 1 in | 46.66 m / 153 ft 1 in | 46.66 m / 153 ft 1 in |
| Wingspan | 43.89 m / 144 ft 0 in | 43.89 m / 144 ft 0 in | 43.89 m / 144 ft 0 in |
| Tail Height | 15.80 m / 51 ft 10 in | 15.80 m / 51 ft 10 in | 15.80 m / 51 ft 10 in |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 142,000 kg / 313,056 lbs | 164,000 kg / 361,558 lbs | 164,000 kg / 361,558 lbs |
| Max Range (Full Payload) | 3,500 nm / 6,500 km | 5,150 nm / 9,540 km | 4,000 nm (Air Refueling Mission) |
| Engines | 2× GE CF6-80A3 / PW4152 | 2× GE CF6-80C2 / PW4156 | 2× GE CF6-80C2A2 |
| Fuel Capacity | 55,200 L (14,580 US gal) | 75,470 L (19,940 US gal) | 75,470 L + Aux Tanks |
Program History & Milestone Timeline
Airbus formally launched the A310 (initially designated A300B10) with major launch orders from Swissair and Lufthansa, designed around a shortened 7.3-meter fuselage reduction and a brand-new British Aerospace supercritical wing.
The prototype A310-200 (F-WZLH) conducted its successful first flight, demonstrating aerodynamic stability and full digital cockpit integration.
Swissair and Lufthansa entered the A310-200 into revenue passenger service, praising the two-crew glass cockpit ergonomics and lower fuel burn.
Launch of the extended-range A310-300 featuring tail-plane trim fuel tanks for automated center-of-gravity management, unlocking 5,150 NM non-stop transatlantic capabilities.
The German Luftwaffe and Royal Canadian Air Force (CC-150 Polaris) converted A310s into specialized military aerial refueling tankers and VIP governmental transports.