EADS EFW - Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH - is the Centre of Competence within EADS for converting Airbus passenger aircraft to freight aircraft - A300 & A310 wide-body aircraft. This also includes any maintenance or modification necessary during the conversion. EFW is also the Centre of Competence within EADS for the development and production of fibre-reinforced components for interior equipment and fittings manufactured from sandwich material for the entire Airbus family. Almost one million equipment components, manufactured in up to 30,000 different geometrical dimensions, have to date been delivered just-in-time by EFW to the Airbus final assembly lines in Hamburg and Toulouse. EFW also develops designs and manufactures the entire systems for cargo compartment cladding and floor panels for the A380.
After the conversion and maintenance work has been completed, system tests are carried out. These tests are in conformity with the production tests carried out for volume-produced cargo aircraft. After customer inspection and acceptance flight, all the conversion work is documented and the aircraft is handed over to the customer.
After all the structural and system components that are no longer required, such as seats or floor structures, have been removed the new cargo kits are assembled. These conversion kits include a cargo door measuring 3.5 metres in width and 2.5 metres in height, with the appropriate structural components.
Installation of the new floor structure. The conversion lasts about four months: After structural and systems components that are no longer required have been removed, the new cargo kits are assembled. The cabin flooring tailored to passenger requirements is replaced by a new floor structure with higher strength. Various aircraft systems are adapted or installed new.
A converted A300-600 shortly before completion. The A300-600 and A310 share the same basic airframe, and were the first jetliners with Airbus 222-inch fuselage cross-section, the widest of any aircraft in their size category. The twin-engine wide-body jetliner family is in service with more than 80 operators worldwide, operating with scheduled and charter airlines, freight carriers and in military / governmental service. The A300-600 seats 266 passengers in a typical two-class layout or 298 in a single class, over a range capability of up to 4000 nm / 7700 km, which makes it popular for regional operations.
Up to 20 aircraft can be converted each year at EFW. EADS-EFW delivers converted Airbus, including package courier services, air-freight companies, aircraft hire companies, and government agencies throughout the world. EFW has airworthiness certificates from the USA, Europe and other countries required for the converted aircraft developed, produced and maintained in Dresden. After all structural and system components that are no longer required, such as seats or floor structures, have been removed from the aircraft, the new cargo kits are assembled. These exclusively comprise components authorized by Airbus - OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Roll out of the A310-300 MRTT. On 29 September 2004, EADS handed over the first Airbus that was to undergo conversion to a MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) capable of refuelling in the air to the Luftwaffe and the Canadian Forces. This conversion was carried out at EADS EFW as a special project with a consortium comprising Airbus Deutschland and Lufthansa Technik. It allows customers to benefit from unparalleled cost efficiency and flexibility.
Up to 20 Airbus passenger aircraft land every year at EADS EFW to start a new life as cargo aircraft. This gives EADS EFW an outstanding position in the fast-growth air-freight market. The cargo aircraft converted at EFW can accommodate a maximum payload from 38 to 50 tons. Here the 1st A310-300 Emirates Airbus freighter conversion, take off to Dubai.
EFW is also a Centre of Competence within EADS for the development and production of fibre-reinforced components made of sandwich material and used in interior equipment for the entire Airbus aircraft family. More than one million components, manufactured in up to 30,000 different geometrical dimensions, have been delivered just-in-time by EFW to the Airbus final assembly lines in Hamburg and Toulouse. EFW also develops, designs and manufactures the entire systems for cargo compartment cladding and floor panels for the A380.
EFW is also a Centre of Competence within EADS for the development and production of fibre-reinforced components made of sandwich material and used in interior equipment for the entire Airbus aircraft family. More than one million components, manufactured in up to 30,000 different geometrical dimensions, have been delivered just-in-time by EFW to the Airbus final assembly lines in Hamburg and Toulouse. EFW also develops, designs and manufactures the entire systems for cargo compartment cladding and floor panels for the A380.
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