How do I find what the differences arebetween aircraft designations?e.g. the diff between a380-841 and -842?

Question

Thanks for the answer Simon, but don't think that's it. I know the first number is the version in the series i.e. a340-300, a340-600 (the stretch variant) but what are the last two digits signfying in terms of difference?

If you go to wikipedia here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Airbus_A380_orders#A380_Types_Matrix

it lists the types but not what differences they are..is it the engines that are the differences?

Thanks for your interest

Answer 1

Its the costumer and the the different types of engines(ie thrust and power)

Answer 2

The last digit in a model number for an Airbus aircraft is the engine type/manufacturer/thrust rating

Answer 3

Example: A340-312

The 3 is the series, or 'stretch',

The 1 is the engine type this aircraft has,

O- General Electric

1 - CFM International

2-  Pratt and Whitney

3-  IAE (International Aero Engines)

4-  RR Rolls-Royce

6-  Engine Alliance (GE and PW)

And the 2 stands for the version..versions are 1,2,3,4.

some aircraft, such as the the A300B4-622R, have a letter after the version.

R- extended range

HGW- Higher Gross Weight

IGW- Increased Gross Weight

E- Enhanced

X- Enhanced

LR - Longer range

CJ- Corporate Jet

F- freighter

C- Combi

Here are examples:

A310-324

A318-111

A319-133X (CJ)

A320-232

A321-131

A330-343X

A340-600HGW

Answer 4

The information you are look for can be found on the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).  This will explain the differences between the models and their dash numbers.  

The certification basis of the airplane is found on the airplane's Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).  The TCDS is the controlling document for an airplane, its model number and serial number. The TCDS can be found online at: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and...

The Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) database is a repository of Make and Model information.  The TCDS is a formal description of the aircraft, engine or propeller.  It lists limitations and information required for type certification including airspeed limits, weight limits, thrust limitations, etc.

The TCDS will explain which engines are installed, gross weight, passenger seating and a wealth of other information.  You can compare the different models based on the TCDS.  It will take a little research on your part, but you may find reading thru the TCDS worth it finding your answers.

Answer 5

You may find that the last two numbers on the designation signify the delivery customer. For Example the Boeing 707-138 was for Qantas. 38 being the customer number for that airline

Answer 6

I think for Airbus Aircrafts, the first of the last three numbers is the model, second is the engine type(like on the A380 4 is for Rolls Royce engines while 6 is for Engine Alliance) while the last number is for thrust rating like one the A330-302, the 2 represents a lower gross weight than one with 3 at the end.