NG Models A321XLR mould

[planes_on_a_shelf]

@YesterAirlines have you reviewed any NG A321xlr yet? I was able to locate the HYJL one on the website - which at the time had the wrong wing
Thought I'd post this question as a thread rather than a DM - as I'm sure many of us may have a similar enquiry
Thanks so much!

 

[JJ Skippy]

Honest question — what is the exact cosmetic difference between the 321neo and 321XLR?

 

[Phantom]

Honest question — what is the exact cosmetic difference between the 321neo and 321XLR?

Different flap design and a larger/longer wing body fairing come to mind.
I'd be amazed if these details make it to 400 scale.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Honest question — what is the exact cosmetic difference between the 321neo and 321XLR?

Bigger fuel tanks on the XLR

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Bigger fuel tanks on the XLR

Let me be more specific, there are module fuel tanks that are stored in the forward part of the aft on the XLR allowing for more fuel capacity than the NEO. The A321 traditionally has a center tank between the wings but the XLR differs in that it has both the center fuel tank and the center aft fuel tank.

 

[YesterAirlines]

I haven't reviewed one - partly because I don't own any, but I would be surprised if the moulds represent the configuration accurately. I assume they could just put the A320NEO wing on the XLR for the flaps but the longer fairing would need a new fuselage.

 

[Phantom]

Let me be more specific, there are module fuel tanks that are stored in the forward part of the aft on the XLR allowing for more fuel capacity than the NEO. The A321 traditionally has a center tank between the wings but the XLR differs in that it has both the center fuel tank and the center aft fuel tank.

The 321neo ACF can take up to 3 additional center tanks - two aft and one front of the wing. These ACTs are basically containers that can be installed or removed. These ACTs turn your 321neo (ACF) into a 321LR and back.
The XLR has a fixed rear center tank (RCT) with a much bigger capacity plus one forward similar to an ACT.
It's the RCT that required a redesign of the wing body fairing for FOD/crash protection.

 

[bakejobb_23]

The 321neo ACF can take up to 3 additional center tanks - two aft and one front of the wing. These ACTs are basically containers that can be installed or removed. These ACTs turn your 321neo (ACF) into a 321LR and back.
The XLR has a fixed rear center tank (RCT) with a much bigger capacity plus one forward similar to an ACT.
It's the RCT that required a redesign of the wing body fairing for FOD/crash protection.

Are these new tanks in previously empty areas on A321acf’s? Or are they “sacrificing” something else to get these extra tanks? also are there any good side by side diagrams or photos to show the difference in the wings yet?

 

[bakejobb_23]

I’ve just began googling and not that it matters mould wise but technically an airframe difference:

Window and door layout has changed and is a good spot the difference. most if not all a321ceo/neos have no over wing exit doors but the XLR does feature them (at least one I think). the old door 2 at the mid forward fuselage is permanently deleted and airlines have the option to include the aft number 3 door as well.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Are these new tanks in previously empty areas on A321acf’s? Or are they “sacrificing” something else to get these extra tanks? also are there any good side by side diagrams or photos to show the difference in the wings yet?

The tanks are in what would be the cargo bins on the traditional A321's & A321neo inboard closer to the CG.

 

[swagninja84]

I’ve just began googling and not that it matters mould wise but technically an airframe difference:

Window and door layout has changed and is a good spot the difference. most if not all a321ceo/neos have no over wing exit doors but the XLR does feature them (at least one I think). the old door 2 at the mid forward fuselage is permanently deleted and airlines have the option to include the aft number 3 door as well.

All ceos have 4 doors and did not have the option for overwing exits. Early neos also had 4 doors. Airbus had an option for overwing exits which then moved the location or door 3 and removed door 2. That is now the standard.

Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF

www.airbus.com

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

The tanks are in what would be the cargo bins on the traditional A321's & A321neo inboard closer to the CG.

Right and thus the conversations around the trade offs between additional cargo revenue vs increased range that opens up newer routes with the lowest fuel burn per seat on any long haul aircraft.

 

[Critical Aviator]

I don't know anything about manufacturers changing anything on their A321neo moulds to make them into XLR. If they did we might have already known about it. I have seen the XLR (the prototypes) in person and to be honest, I didn't find the changes to be that noticeable compared to the base A321neo and the LR . But if there are changes from the prototypes to the the production aircraft, I am not sure.

 

[Phantom]

Are these new tanks in previously empty areas on A321acf’s? Or are they “sacrificing” something else to get these extra tanks?

They use cargo compartment volume - you load one ACT instead of (at least) one ULD so to say.
The A321ceo and A321N (Neo) have a total useable none bulk cargo volume of:
806cft forward
813cft aft

A321NX (that's the designator for ACF)
572cft forward with with ACT
634cft aft with one ACT
468cft aft with two ACT

The 321NY (=321XLR) should be in that same region but without the load flexibility in the aft compartment.

 

[Phantom]

also are there any good side by side diagrams or photos to show the difference in the wings yet?

Found this pic online. Check the inner wing flaps.
Note that this prototype XLR did not have the updated wing body fairing at this time.