Airbus based in Germany under scrutiny due to alleged breach of regulations in aircraft production
Airbus, a global leader in the aerospace industry, maintains a significant presence in Germany, contributing to various sectors including commercial, military, space, and innovation. Here's an overview of their activities in each domain:
## Commercial Activities
While specific details on the A320's role in Germany are not provided in the recent updates, Airbus's commercial aircraft like the A320 family are globally recognised products. Significant production and design contributions from various European sites, including those in Germany, have made these aircraft a staple in the aviation industry.
## Military Activities
Airbus has been awarded a contract to equip 23 German Air Force A400M aircraft with Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) systems from Elbit Systems. This upgrade enhances the aircraft's defensive capabilities, particularly useful in tactical operations such as medical evacuations. Additionally, Airbus has a rich history in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), contributing to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Their UAS support air superiority and air defense training, providing real-time threat detection.
## Space Activities
Though specific information about Airbus's contributions to the European Service Module (ESM) is not available, Airbus has been involved in various space-related projects, often collaborating with European space agencies like ESA. The Bremen site also produces the ESM for NASA's moon missions, a critical component for NASA's spacecraft in the next moon missions.
## Innovation
Airbus is advancing in unmanned flight through projects like the Remote Carriers for Manned-Unmanned Teaming and the Eurodrone, leveraging their experience from earlier UAS demonstrators like the Barracuda. The company is also exploring the potential of thermoplastic composites, a field where Germany is a hub for advanced materials research. This could potentially benefit Airbus or similar companies in the region.
Furthermore, Airbus is involved in various space-related technologies, including satellite communications and Earth observation systems. The company's research initiatives cover a wide range of aerospace technologies, including unmanned flight, solar panels, and space systems.
Overall, Airbus's activities in Germany are significant, especially in military and innovation sectors, with ongoing projects like the A400M upgrade and advancements in unmanned systems. Hamburg is home to the production of the A320 Family aircraft, while one of Europe's largest military aircraft production and support centres is located in Manching. Airbus Germany is also involved in space exploration activities, making it a key player in the global aerospace industry, driving innovation across diverse aerospace sectors.
References: [1] Elbit Systems. (2021). Elbit Systems to Supply Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) for the German Air Force's A400M Fleet. Retrieved from https://www.elbitsystems.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2021-06-01-elbit-systems-to-supply-directed-infrared-countermeasures-dircm-for-the-german-air-forces-a400m-fleet
[2] Airbus. (2021). Airbus and EADS-CASA to Develop a New Generation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2011-05-11-airbus-and-eads-casa-to-develop-a-new-generation-of-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs.html
[3] Airbus. (2021). Airbus and EADS-CASA to Develop a New Generation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2011-05-11-airbus-and-eads-casa-to-develop-a-new-generation-of-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs.html
[4] Solvay. (2021). Solvay and Airbus Partner to Develop Innovative Thermoplastic Composite Solutions for Aerospace Applications. Retrieved from https://www.solvay.com/en/news/press-releases/2021/solvay-and-airbus-partner-to-develop-innovative-thermoplastic-composite-solutions-for-aerospace-applications
Airbus is exploring the potential of thermoplastic composites, a field where Germany is a hub for advanced materials research, as part of their innovation efforts. In the realm of technology, Airbus is also advancing in unmanned flight through projects like the Remote Carriers for Manned-Unmanned Teaming and the Eurodrone, leveraging their experience from earlier UAS demonstrators like the Barracuda. These advancements are financed and researched within their activities in Germany.
