Airbus, Future Technology & Competitive Advantage

AUTONOMOUS AIRCRAFT
Autonomous systems are already in place in a number of Airbus products used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Satellites and remotely piloted aircraft, which are able to fly alone with the supervision of a ground-based operator.

ELECTRIC PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY
Airbus started on its electrical aircraft journey in 2010, developing the world’s first fully-electric, four-engine aerobatic aircraft, called CriCri.

In 2015, Airbus’ all-electric, twin-propeller aircraft E-Fan successfully crossed the English Channel. The results came about the E-Fan X which has 30 times the power & will be in production 2021.

Rolls-Royce | IntelligentEngine and the E-Fan X
Airbus’ wants to drive the commercialization of zero-emission, all-electric (local) air mobility vehicles and later larger commercial aircraft. They aim, to fly a 100-passenger aircraft based on electric and hybrid-electric technology by 2030s. A daunting task, but no doubt will be achieved with AI and other technologies
Rolls Royce formed a partnership with Airbus and Siemens to develop the two-megawatt engine and power electronics. Hybrid-electric propulsion for commercial aircraft, this will be a big deal.

LEVERAGING ADVANCED ANALYTICS
Daily airbus processes large amounts of data, that allow data-driven approaches to improve products and performance across all business sectors.

HERE ARE SOME BENEFITS:
Operational excellence
Improved product design, strategy, and marketing
Greater fleet operational performance and reliability
New business models and revenue streams
Faster rates of innovation

Airbus in 2017 officially launched Skywise, an open data platform. Skywise collects vast amounts of data from Airbus, suppliers, and customers to enable better decision-making and unlock significant cost savings. 😉

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES TO SOLVE AEROSPACE PROBLEMS
Airlines are always finding ways to save fuel by optimizing planes’ climb and descent routes. Quantum computing technology can take parameters such as weather and tailwind then suggest the best route.

Another challenge for aircraft manufacturers is to speed up the time it takes to design an aircraft and bring it to the market. Artificial intelligence is doing that now.

“We are convinced that quantum technologies and specifically quantum computing do represent a breakthrough for different industries, including our own,” Ms. Vittadini Airbus CTO

RESHAPING AIRBUS THROUGH HOLOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Airbus workers are using holographic(mixed reality) technology by Microsoft to access instructions and information, freeing up hands or even time going back to a central location. As a technician myself, this is very exciting and a time saver welcome! They have identified over 300 areas to implement holographic technology a time, money, and game changer!

*BONUS FIND
CIMON (CREW INTERACTIVE MOBILE COMPANION)
This interactive astronaut AI buddy developed by yes Airbus for the German Aerospace Center (DLR), using 3D printing. CIMON on the International Space Station transmits data to ground stations and provides internet connection for our space warriors!

CONCLUSION:
The use of digital technologies will keep Airbus one fo the leading Aircraft manufacturers for years to come and has been a big learning experience for me. Thanks for reading this far and have a great day!

Learn more about how Harley-Davidson is also using new digital technology to keep the American icon rolling!