How Airplanes Are Made

Behind-the-Scenes of an Airbus A350 being built!

Thanks to the folks at Airbus for bringing me to France, Germany, & the UK to visit their headquarters and facilities and see so much incredible engineering. As you can probably tell from this video, I was super excited to learn how airplanes are made and I hope you've enjoyed learning a little bit, too!

Thanks to all of the engineers, technicians and staff who took the time to share their work:

Fernando Alonso
Peter Chandler
Emanuele Costanzo
Laurence Savignac
Daniel Reckzeh
Florian Seidel
Rob Davies
Phil Brown
Imran Khawaja
Chris Buckley
David McDonald
Philip Sims
Paul Beazley-Long
Paul Craig
Olivier Criou
Tim Boddy
Anne Jany
Mark Wainwright
Nicolas Antoine
Mark Pearman-Wright
Raphael Sheffield
Eric Ezell
Ingo Wuggetzer
Delphine Comin
Laurent Fradin
Katia Street
Anthony Rosendo
Christian Bade
Tore Prang
Paige Stanton
Vicky Runcie
Jill Hutchinson
Didier Delibes
Jennifer Newlands

Additional camera/sound help by:
Masterfilms
Joël Montagu
Christophe Palis
Franck Flies
Muriel Casas-Parramon

And twitter - @minutephysics

Minute Physics provides an energetic and entertaining view of old and new problems in physics -- all in a minute!

Music made freely available to the public domain by the Musopen Symphony

[LimitedWard]

Just think, every single cylinder, nut, bolt, foil, etc. had to be designed, tested, and produced in exactly the right way to get that thing off the ground. And to top that off, there are over 4, 000 engineers that have to collaborate and ensure those parts are compatible with each other.

MIND BLOWING!

[ArnavDhamija]

As an aviation geek, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when watching this video! Thanks Henry!

[smyslovivan]

Для братьев по несчастью:

What is the process the wings tops and bottoms are made called?
-It is called additive technology


What way do designers and engineers test aerodynamics of the future aircraft in its take off, cruising and landing configurations?
-They use computers and wind tunnel models to test aerodynamics of the aircraft

Where are the fuselage pieces fastened together, wings connected, landing gear installed auxiliary power unit put in space, vertical and horizontal stabilizers attached, seats, ventilation and cabin and **pit interiors installed?
-They are installed in a single super massive hanger

How many parts as a whole must be manufactured and assembled to make the Airbus 350?
-Two million sixty five thousand parts

What are scale models of engine used for?

-Models powered by compressed air are used to understand wing-engine interaction

What are the first tested airplanes covered with?
-They are covered with sensors

What happens before the first rivet is set?
-The team of engineers and designers spend years developing the design for the aircraft and how it will be manufactured

Why does the airplane undergo the rigorous flight tests?
-It is necessary to make sure that all the systems are working properly

What is the special test of the engine to make sure it can continue to provide enough thrust if it encounters birds?
-Several dead ducks are shot into the engine

How long is each A350 manufactured?
-It takes AIRBUS 2 days to manufacture each A350

When must the designers pay attention to the passenger capacity, the range and speed of the airplane, the passenger comfort, requirements for landing and navigation, flight controls, fuel efficiency and where materials and parts will be sourced and produced?
-The designers must pay the attention to these parameters when constructing the airplane

How are the first airplanes tested?
-They are tested extensively to verify limits during emergency situations

What is main reason that wing boxes are fitted with electrical and hydraulic systems?
-It is necessary to control slats, flaps and ailerons

Маевцы живите

[kille]

I wouldn't mind watching an extended version of this. Like a full tv episode type of thing

[jukio]

thank you all the engineers and scientist that make our lives easier. i hope someday to join the ranks of being called a scientist and engineer

[TheAleksandrus]

I don't get why people would people would dislike this, it's just an amusing informative video

[alloria]

As the A-Team said. I love it when a plane comes together.

[gaudiofan]

and people have become so bored by flying in these wonders of modern technology that they sleep or play games the entire flight. I just stare out the window astounded that i'm flying through the sky in a huge metal tube.

[TheIisIMBA]

For me, this is the beauty of flying. Every time I'm on a plane that takes off, I think about the millions and millions of hours of work and engineering required to get to this point. People are truly amazing :)

[ChrxmeKev]

I’m so thankful and grateful to exist in the era we live now. We are truly blessed to be able to create such complicated inventions such as these.

[brooklyn]

4:13 seat expert? we need to have a talk 

[drink]

My Airbus 350 is on backorder. I think due to a missing escape

[_____________________]

And which airplane transports the airplane parts for the airplane parts transporting airplane?

[zachansen]

Absolute engineering marvel that we as humans can pull together to create such wonderful and innovative machines!

[John_NYT]

I think the real question is, how do they make the airplane part carrying airplane?

[adrienperie]

*This is the first MinutePhysics video that didn't make me think of a concept I hadn't thought of before or where I didn't learn something.*
Considering your videos are practically never over 5 minutes long, and that you have put out more than 20, and for those with a thick skull, this is a very big compliment.
I was highly suspicious of the idea, but now I'm quite impressed. The only bad thing I have to say about this channel, is that you tend to talk about physics like the theories are proven and iron clad, and in many cases, they aren't, especially when talking cosmology. I would very much love to see the day where you guys say "currently the most widely accepted theory as to how stars are formed..." instead of "the way stars are formed is...". That would add a whole lot of educational value to your presentations, something that the school systems around the west never even touch on.

[generalkitten]

do i get 10% discout code if i want to buy my a350

[Ruud_Brouwer]

Amazing aircraft, very proud to have been able to contribute on a very small part of it :)

[wendyrosee]

PLEASE ADVISE
I HAVE INCURRED SO MUCH LOSS TO TRADE ON MY OWN, I TRADE WELL ON DEMO BUT I THINK THE REAL TRADE IS MANIPULATED.

[astro-knot]

soooo.... do Airbus take paypal? and do UPS deliver it? That would suit my schedule tremendously.