The A380 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world with a wingspan of 80 metres. Atkins provided independent certification of the A380 wing structure to enable its client to comply with international air safety standards. Atkins’ A380 wingbox certification covered detailed stress analysis extending over the whole aircraft lifecycle, operating loads, in-service fatigue and damage tolerance.

To deliver the project, which extended over four years, Atkins brought together a large team and managed inputs from a wider supply chain. The A380 has a ground-breaking, fuel efficient design, resulting in 12% lower fuel burn per seat than a comparable aircraft. To provide certification Atkins was required to develop new and innovative stress analysis methods.

• Advanced composite materials
• Aerospace engineering
• Mechanical design
• Mechanical engineering
• Project & programme management
• Structural design & assessments
• Structural integrity management

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