Tech

Airbus Presents Optimate: A Next-Generation A350 Cockpit on Wheels

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus, Airbus UpNext, has begun testing new technologies on an innovative electric vehicle in order to support automated taxiing and improve pilot assistance.

The goal of the three-year research project, named Optimate, is to enhance human-machine interaction, flight safety, and aircraft navigation systems by combining a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, such as sophisticated automation, computer vision, data fusion, and machine learning.

Developing and testing automatic taxiing based on more precise and dependable position calculations, as well as evaluating the possibility of using quantum sensing to enhance position availability and navigation system resilience, are important goals of Optimate.

Examining how a virtual flight assistant and collaborative map may help pilots make strategic decisions and communicate with air traffic control and airline operations centres is another goal.

The new architecture and algorithms will be verified on a test bed electric vehicle that can roll along airport runways like an aeroplane and replicates the essential features of an actual aircraft cockpit in order to assist lower CO2 emissions from test operations. With the help of cutting-edge automation technology including the most recent LIDAR and external cameras, together with GPS, satcom, and 5G, it will resemble an A350 cockpit on wheels.

Utilising the virtual assistant for a completely automated gate-to-gate voyage on an A350 flight test aircraft will be the project’s final phase.

Aerospace

China’s Fighter Jets Turn Wings into Autonomous Drones

In a striking display of aerospace innovation, Chinese engineers have reportedly tested a groundbreaking “combiner” blended-wing stealth aircraft with detachable drone wings.

This transformative technology, reminiscent of fictional “combiner” Transformers, was showcased during a test flight at an undisclosed airport near the Mu Us Desert’s southern edge.

The stealth fighter, equipped with powerful twin-engine turbofans and a sleek delta-wing design, demonstrated unprecedented versatility. During the flight, segments of its wings detached, seamlessly transforming into two separate “flying wing” drones powered by electric fans.

This capability marks a significant leap in aerial warfare, enabling the fighter to deploy autonomous drones mid-flight for strategic operations.

Future stealth fighters will prioritize integration with drones

Yang Wei, chief designer of China’s J-20 stealth fighter, emphasized that future iterations will prioritize seamless integration with drones. The development includes plans for a two-seater variant of the J-20 to enhance operational coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reflecting China’s strategic focus on combined arms tactics.

The next-generation stealth fighter design integrates two drones directly into the aircraft’s delta wing structure, departing from earlier attempts that fixed drones to wingtips.

This innovative “rear edge docking configuration,” connecting leading edges of the drones to the fighter’s trailing edge, enhances stability during separation. However, it poses challenges such as managing significant changes in the aircraft’s center of gravity and aerodynamic balance.

FCC-100 flight control computer ensures precise control

To address these complexities, Du’s team developed advanced algorithms capable of analyzing and compensating for disturbances like wind changes during drone separation. Both the fighter and the drones utilize the cutting-edge FCC-100 flight control computer from Northwestern Polytechnical University, ensuring precise control and maneuverability.

While specific details about the test flight date remain classified, the project signifies remarkable advancements in aircraft stability and control. These developments pave the way for practical applications in future combat scenarios.

Chinese scientists are also exploring additional technologies like plasma stealth and advanced airflow management to further enhance the capabilities of their next-generation fighters.