Airbus A320neo nacelles

A320neo nacelle thrust engines

The A320neo nacelles are equipped with cascade thrust reversers. Panels inside the nacelles open when activated by the pilot, to redirect the cold airflow towards the front, thus generating the counterthrust which assists with braking on landing. The thrust reversers ensure braking of the plane, especially on short, wet, snowy or icy landing strips.

Safran Nacelles is an expert in the assembly of aerostructures such as thrust reversers. The company has control over all the parts assembly processes: they are positioned meticulously, adjusted to the structure using shimming, drilling, milling, countersinking, bonding and riveting.

Engine noise reduction acoustic treatment

Honeycomb acoustic treatment is applied in strategic areas of the A320neo nacelle composite panels. Hundreds of thousands of holes are drilled in the composite skin so that the noise can disperse and be captured in the honeycomb core. This process significantly reduces the engine noise. Safran Nacelles holds a unique expertise in engine environment acoustic technology.

Painting, nacelle integration on the engine and final assembly line support

All nacelle components (air inlet, fan cowl, thrust reverser, nozzle and EBU*) are assembled on the engine at Safran Nacelles’ integration site in Toulouse (France). This is where the last adjustment operations between the nacelle, the engine and the mast that will connect the propulsion system under the aircraft wing are carried out, as well as painting in the airline livery. The airlines then take delivery of the propulsion systems before they are installed at the Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) where support is provided by Safran Nacelles’ teams.

*EBU: Engine Build Up, regroups several items: electric harnesses, pipes, circulation valves, air inlet anti-icing system, electrical feed, etc.