Giant model of A380 unveiled at Heathrow

The gateway to the Heathrow Airport has a new attraction. A giant model of an Airbus A380 has been installed at the spot, courtesy Emirates Airline.Emirates said that the 45-tonne model, is the culmination of an ambitious 18-month project to place the Dubai-based carrier at the gateway to the world’s busiest international airport, and at one of the most prestigious advertising sites in the UK.

It has been pointed out that the landmark site will turn into an icon for both Heathrow and Emirates. While the previous Concorde model represented the past, the A380 represents the future. Meanwhile, the real Emirates A380 will land at Heathrow for real from December 1, and in the near future, Emirates is expected to take pride in being the largest operator of A380s at the Heathrow Airport.

The Emirates Roundabout at Heathrow is one of the most high-profile advertising sites in the UK. Over 55,000 vehicles a day and approximately 25 million passengers a year, pass this site. The A380 is seen as endorsing Airbus Industries reputation for innovation and cutting edge technology, allowing the world’s premier airlines like opting for the aircraft.

The one third-scale model was flown in ten component parts to Heathrow on July 5. The replica was built by US-based Penwal at its manufacturing base in California over a six month period, using plans provided by the A380’s manufacturer, Airbus in Toulouse. It was then transported by giant truck to Ontario Airport in Los Angeles where it was flown to Heathrow aboard a massive Antonov cargo plane, organised by the Emirates SkyCargo team.

A special mechanical ramp was flown into London from Germany to offload the plane as it was too heavy for the Antonov’s winch crane. The wing section of the plane required a police escort as it was driven from Heathrow to the roundabout site.

The world’s leading aviation museum, The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, has stated it is the largest known aircraft model in existence.

The model, which weighs more than 45 tonne, has a wingspan of 26 metres and a length of 24 metres.  It has been made of glass-reinforced plastic over a steel frame and placed on foundations that needed 600 tonnes of concrete.