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The A321-200 represents an important development for Airbus and indeed the A321-100. Airbus has announced the launch of the A321-200, though the move is not seen as replacing the -100, at least not at present. The A321-200 has been highlighted with an order from Aero- Lloyd although an order from ILFC in December 1994 also featured orders for the -200. The A321-200 aims to improve the range of the A321 and as a result the MTOW of the -200 will be 89,000 kgs (196,200 lbs), an increase of 6,000 kgs (13,200 lbs) over the standard -100. However the A321-100 has been offered with a MTOW of 85,000 kgs although without the structural changes. The maximum landing weight (MLW) and the zero fuel weights (ZFW) have also been increased by 2,000 kgs (4,400 lbs). Other changes made to the basic -100 include a reinforced structure and higher thrust versions of the existing engines, which together with an additional centre tank (ACT), increases the range of -200 by 350 to 400 nautical miles (550-650 km). This enables the A321-200 to match the range capabilities of the other models in the A320 family, the A319 and A320. The fuel tank is located in the aft cargo bay and reduces the cargo capacity by one container. ** The A321-100 Has A MTOW of 83 or 85 Tonnes - the -200 88 Tonnes ** The A321-100 currently has a range of some 2,200nm based on a MTOW of 83 tonnes (185 passengers) while the A320, with 150 passengers, has a range of either 2,650nm or 2,800 nm based on a MTOW of 73,500 kgs and 75,500 kgs respectively. The A319 and A320 will also benefit from the progress made on the A321 by featuring ACTs as an option in the near future, thereby facilitating still greater range. The new powerplant for the A321-200 will be the V2533 which offers a thrust rating of 33,000 lbs compared to the V2530 or the CFM56-5B (the latter of which has an optional 31,000 lbs thrust variant.
The A321-100, consisting of two MTOWs, and the A321-200 are seen as complimentary by Airbus and will continue to be produced side by side, although the former may not be viewed with the same relish. The...