Case Studies - Aviation

We've played a major role in developing the world's largest airliner - the Airbus A380 super-jumbo.

Passenger traffic is predicted to double by 2020, airport congestion is worsening and passengers are demanding higher-quality travel. Fortunately, the double-deck Airbus A380 could provide all the answers. Capable of carrying between 500 and 800 passengers, it is Europe's attempt to usurp the Boeing 747 as the predominant large passenger aircraft. With still over two years to go before entry into service in 2006, Airbus has 129 firm orders and several other expressions of interest, from many of the world´s premier airlines. Included in these orders are the recent award winning airlines QANTAS, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, all three winners of prestigious industry awards for recent performance.

The A380 is the latest in a family of Airbus designs developed with support from QinetiQ. It will provide a saving in the range of 10 to 20% per passenger per mile over the Boeing 747 thanks to Airbus's efforts to reduce weight, maximise aerodynamic efficiency, ensure safety, mitigate environmental impact and lower the cost of development and manufacture.

One of QinetiQ's key areas is in the research and development of new materials for the wings, including the latest aluminium/lithium laminates and welded structures and advanced composite technologies. The structural and manufacturing implications of these new materials have been studied in partnership with Airbus, particularly the metal/composite interface joints and fibre reinforced laminates of the new large wings. The aircraft structure itself has been studied using QinetiQ structural optimisation and structural hardening techniques developed with EADS.

We've also been extensively involved in the aerodynamic development of the wings: continued improvement of these is a major factor in the high performance of Airbus aircraft. Today, the theoretical design of wings is an iterative process with high-speed and low-speed wind tunnel testing, which we have performed using our extensive facilities. Advanced studies in novel aerodynamic design, engine/wing interaction, laminar flow and attached flow have all assisted in the aircraft development.

The increased safety demands for new Airbus aircraft have been tackled by improving the crashworthiness of the aircraft, particularly in seats and floors. Fire resistance, toxicity effects, damage tolerance, explosion containment and crash resistance are all technologies that we has developed. Other technologies we've addressed include human factors - cabin design, semiotics and seat comfort, fuel systems and modular avionics design.

The environmental issues of large jets have received considerable attention, including studies of the wake vortex problems of large aircraft to help in planning the separation of flights into airports. QinetiQ is in the forefront working with UK and foreign government agencies in defining standards for NOx emission and noise.

Anything is possible - just ask

This project is a prime example of how we are currently applying our knowledge and technology. We could do the same for you. Whatever your requirements or problems, we have the ideas, know how and solutions.