Airbus- Experts & Thought Leaders

Damen Marine Components (DMC) has been contracted to supply rudder systems for four Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), each capable of carrying up to 9,200 CEU (car equivalent units). The vessels are being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd and China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd for their client BYD Auto, China’s largest manufacturer of electric and hybrid vehicles. When launched, the PCTCs will be the largest of their class in the world.  Asymmetric Rudder Technology For each PCTC, DMC will be supplying an Atlantic Rudder with Asymmetric Rudder Technology (ART™) and a Silent Bulb. With no moving parts, these spade rudders are highly dependable and with a slim profile offer minimal resistance. Their excellent course-keeping capabilities make them a popular choice for long-distance, ocean-going vessels. Each rudder is custom-built to take account of the hull shape and the propeller angles of the vessel on which it will be installed. Optimised in this way, the asymmetric pioneering edge (ART™) smooths the water flow over the rudder to maximum effect, reducing resistance cavitation, and fuel consumption.  ‘Silent Bulb’  The dual approach not only prolongs the rudder’s lifespan but also amplifies the maximum propeller thrust The customer has also opted to have a DMC Silent Bulb mounted on each rudder. This energy-saving device minimises the likelihood of cavitation around the rudder by mitigating the inevitable flow losses caused by the propeller. This dual approach not only prolongs the rudder’s lifespan but also amplifies the maximum propeller thrust, thanks to the significantly enhanced propeller efficiency.  Top quality, low maintenance “We selected Damen Marine Components for the rudder systems as they have a long track record for developing and building top quality, low maintenance steering equipment,” says Mr. Fei Li, Purchasing Director of China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Fei Li adds, “As a pioneering manufacturer of low-emissions vehicles and one that exports all over the world, the reliability of its PCTCs is vital to BYD Autos’ operations.”  Mission-critical equipment “We are very pleased that China Merchants Jinling Shipyard has come to us for this mission-critical equipment,” says Bogdan Mocanu, Area Sales Manager at DMC. Bogdan Mocanu adds, “We value their endorsement of our products and are confident that our rudders will give many years of economical and trouble-free operations.”  China Merchants Jinling Shipyard  China Merchants Jinling Shipyard is a shipbuilding company located in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China. Established in 1951, it has grown to become one of the largest shipyards in China. The shipyard specialises in constructing various types of vessels, including the Airbus 380 Roro vessel, Ropax, PCTC, bulk carriers, container ships, MPV, and LNG carriers. The shipyard employs over 10,000 people and has a production capacity of up to two million deadweight tonnes per year. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

Airbus Defence and Space has developed and tested a loading system to lift outsized military cargo into the Airbus Beluga A300-600ST aircraft. The capability was successfully tested during a verification exercise with the German Armed Forces, the system’s first customer, by loading a CH53 military medium-lift helicopter into the Beluga. Rising demand for outsized air cargo capability “The demand for outsized air cargo capability is on the rise. Capacity is scarce and, in light of current geopolitical developments, many customers are looking for new, fast and efficient solutions. This is exactly what we offer with our BelugaST fleet,” said Michael Schoellhorn, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Defence and Space. Michael Schoellhorn adds, “Our teams have been working on a remarkable solution to facilitate a speedy, efficient and autonomous handling to load heavy military cargo onto the aircraft. Speed, agility and autonomy are crucial elements for our customers when it comes to such operations.” New self-funded cargo loading system and jig The new self-funded cargo loading system and jig, developed by engineers at Airbus Defence and Space The new self-funded cargo loading system and jig, developed by engineers at Airbus Defence and Space, have now been unveiled to customer representatives from international armed forces following the verification event in Manching, north of Munich. The system was developed and manufactured from scratch in 1.5 years – from the initial exchange of ideas with the German customer to its verification, which is still subject to final confirmation by the Bundeswehr in the coming weeks. System enables arrangements for loading of CH53 helicopter The system enables arrangements for the loading of a CH53 helicopter in a reduced state of dismantling to be completed within less than 1.5 hours, while the actual loading process into the Beluga aircraft can be accomplished in about an hour. The total lifting capacity of the system, which requires no crane for its use, reaches 35 tonnes and can be relocated to the aircraft’s destination. Prior to announcing plans to offer the services of its existing BelugaST fleet earlier this year, the fleet of five aircraft was solely used for the transport of large aircraft sections between various Airbus sites, as part of the company’s production system. Advent of the new BelugaXL With the advent of the new BelugaXL, based on the larger A330-200 platform, the existing BelugaST fleet is made ready for customer transport services worldwide.

Maritime spaces are increasingly becoming potential sources of conflict. With 90% of goods around the world being transported by sea and 98% of digital data transiting through submarine cables, plus the vast array of marine life, energy, and mining resources, maritime spaces are more than ever becoming strategic assets. At Euronaval, starting 18 October 2022, Airbus will show the many range of ways their teams are pioneering to help protect these critical areas. Several dedicated systems 70.8% of Earth is covered by water equating to a massive 361 million km2 of seas and oceans to be monitored. Gathering intelligence over maritime areas is a challenge of colossal proportions and Airbus has taken it on with the development of several dedicated systems - which includes an array of unmanned aerial systems ranging from light to long-endurance aircraft. Aliaca was certified and qualified by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) in July 2022 Aliaca is an onboard mini-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system chosen by the French Navy for the SMDM (Systèmes de Mini Drones aériens embarqués de la Marine) contract, which was signed in the last quarter of 2020. It covers the supply of 11 Aliaca systems (including 22 air vehicles) in a maritime version for the French Navy, as well as associated training and maintenance for the given operational conditions. Aliaca was certified and qualified by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) in July 2022. Shipborne naval assets VSR700, the unmanned aerial system that is currently under development and has been designed to operate alongside other shipborne naval assets, will provide commanders with an improved tactical picture, greater search, and rescue power, and bring to bear a highly capable autonomous platform in times of heightened threats. Its compact size and discreet silhouette enhance stealth, and its payload accommodates a host of long-range, high-performance sensors – the optimal capability enhancement for modern navies. The third system is Eurodrone: a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) with versatile and adaptable capabilities that make it the perfect platform for Intelligence, Surveillance Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions or homeland security operations. Its open architecture as part of the future-proof design will allow for growth and rescoping system capabilities as may be required by the future needs of customer armed forces. Actionable interoperable intelligence Airbus has delivered actionable interoperable intelligence that enables responses at greater speed Space also plays a key role in maritime surveillance missions. For more than 30 years, Airbus has delivered actionable interoperable intelligence that enables responses at greater speed and with greater certainty. With proprietary access to the world’s leading satellite constellations – including Pléiades Neo, which has an optical resolution of 30 cm – Airbus supplies sustainable satellite imagery and data solutions. Gathering information is not enough. Extracting meaning and analysis from data and intelligence are where Airbus technologies make a difference. With extensive experience in Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Airbus launched its Multi-Domain Combat Cloud (MDCC) project, which uses cloud-based technologies to create a cyber-resilient collaborative network across air, land, sea space and cyber domains. Direct maritime surveillance With this technology, each asset constitutes a connecting node regardless if it is a warship, a fighter jet, a headquarters or a tank and provides critical information to militaries. Since 2002, Airbus has been developing, deploying, and upgrading the SPATIONAV system to support the French authorities’ gathering of information, direct maritime surveillance, and intervention at sea. In addition, the system integrates over 50,000 extra European and international tracks The system provides them with a tactical picture of the maritime situation to prepare and conduct their operations related to maritime border protection, search and rescue missions, maritime navigation security, detection of illicit activities, and environmental protection. SPATIONAV covers 6,000 kilometers of French coastline monitored in real-time 24/7 by 750 operators thanks to a vast network of sensors (105 sites, 88 radars, 77 AIS stations, and 8 equipped Falcons). In addition, the system integrates over 50,000 extra European and international tracks. Securing digital networks Safeguarding information and securing digital networks is also key to maritime operations. In response to cyber-attacks that have become a daily threat and are increasingly sophisticated, Airbus Defence and Space has developed a defensive cyber warfare system to secure military networks and protect data. It includes monitoring, warning, detection, and response capabilities that identify the origin, target, criticality, and impact of such attacks, enabling them to be countered with a suitable response plan. A key to defending against cyber-attacks is being ready for these threats through preparation and training. Airbus’ CyberRange advanced simulation solution easily models information technology (IT) systems and operational technology (OT) systems to simulate realistic scenarios including actual cyber-attacks. It is used by many Defence customers including the French navy. Building aircraft specifically The H160M incorporates the latest technological achievements in European aeronautics Operating at sea is a constant challenge. Having designed and built aircraft specifically for maritime operations for decades, Airbus has gathered unique know-how that benefits their latest generation of naval aircraft. The first of a new generation of helicopter, the H160M derives from the EASA-certified H160. It benefits from a low cost of operations and enhanced flight safety features. The H160M incorporates the latest technological achievements in European aeronautics. To ensure a high level of availability while reducing operating costs, the H160M’s support and services needs were taken into account from early in its design phase. Maritime environment monitoring As a naval asset, the H160M is a formidable addition to anti-surface warfare, naval force protection, maritime security, maritime environment monitoring, intelligence, and search and rescue. The civil version of the H160 can also be used by military and public operators for search and rescue (SAR) and surveillance missions. The French Navy has recently received its first out of six H160s configured for SAR operations. Over 170 NH90 NFHs have been ordered by seven different customers with more than 123 aircraft The NH90 military helicopter is a modern, multi-role rotorcraft designed to meet the most stringent NATO standards. Developed in two versions – tactical transport (TTH) and NATO frigate helicopter (NFH) – the NH90 contains a unique, fully integrated mission system for operations in the most demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night. Over 170 NH90 NFHs have been ordered by seven different customers with more than 123 aircraft being delivered so far. Performing safe landings Advanced navigation and ship landing aids enable the helicopter to perform safe landings in day, night or adverse weather conditions, supplemented by a deck lock device for securing the touchdown in high sea states. The NFH has fulfilled missions along the east coast of Africa, in the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Mediterranean and northern waters. Its operational versatility and wide range of capabilities make it the most effective naval helicopter available today. It is a true force multiplier and an essential asset for any operation. In the domain of maritime patrol aircraft, Airbus is considering developing an aircraft based on the highly successful A320Neo that would be designed for long-range maritime patrol (MPA) including the most demanding anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface (ASuW) missions.