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Airbus

All articles tagged with #airbus

Airbus and Kawasaki eye Japan-focused ASW variant of Eurodrone
defense12 days ago

Airbus and Kawasaki eye Japan-focused ASW variant of Eurodrone

Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to study a Japanese anti-submarine warfare variant of the Eurodrone, leveraging Japan’s observer status in the program. The collaboration would explore configurations and the integration of Japanese sensors and effectors, plus potential production and sustainment work shares, enabling sovereign operation if pursued. The Eurodrone, developed by Germany, France, Italy and Spain with India as an observer and OCCAR oversight, targets a 2029 first flight and a broad maritime mission profile including ASW.

Airbus and Qantas Eye 10,000-Mile Nonstop Flights With A350-1000ULR
technology20 days ago

Airbus and Qantas Eye 10,000-Mile Nonstop Flights With A350-1000ULR

Airbus and Qantas are pursuing 10,000-nautical-mile nonstop flights using the A350-1000ULR, adding a 20,000-liter fuel tank and a higher takeoff weight to enable ~22-hour routes such as Sydney–New York and London–Sydney; a first test flight occurred in June 2026 near Toulouse, with commercial service targeted for 2027, featuring a 238-seat cabin (140 economy, 40 premium economy, 52 business, 6 first-class) and a Wellbeing Zone for long-haul comfort.

Europe fights to salvage sixth-gen fighter tech after FCAS setback
defense29 days ago

Europe fights to salvage sixth-gen fighter tech after FCAS setback

German and Spanish FCAS leaders urge continued funding to preserve sixth-generation fighter expertise after Berlin and Paris dropped the fighter segment, warning that halting support would erode European capabilities; they advocate for a new multinational setup—potentially joining GCAP or an Airbus-led project—and keep the door open to partners like Saab, while Germany weighs options such as purchasing F-35s, GCAP membership, or a European-led program.

Germany weighs F-35 boost, GCAP path, or a new national fighter program after FCAS collapse
defense1 month ago

Germany weighs F-35 boost, GCAP path, or a new national fighter program after FCAS collapse

With FCAS dead, Germany is weighing three options to replace its next-gen fighter: buy additional F-35s as a bridge to a future capability, join an existing sixth-generation program (likely GCAP), or start a German-led program with Airbus; defense officials cited IP disputes with Dassault and diverging requirements as the key factors behind FCAS's demise.

Airbus Unveils Autonomous U145 Cargo Helicopter
technology1 month ago

Airbus Unveils Autonomous U145 Cargo Helicopter

Airbus unveiled the U145, an autonomous, uncrewed variant of the H145 aimed at high-volume cargo with a 2,600-pound payload and no cockpit. The company plans a late-2026 first flight with a safety pilot and an entry into service in early 2030s, targeting civil and military cargo roles including armed scouting and surveillance. Airbus is also exploring a drone mothership concept with MBDA and crewed–uncrewed teaming, leveraging the H145’s commonality to reduce costs while expanding Europe’s sovereign autonomous rotorcraft capabilities.

Paris court holds Air France and Airbus liable for corporate manslaughter in AF447 tragedy
world1 month ago

Paris court holds Air France and Airbus liable for corporate manslaughter in AF447 tragedy

A Paris appeals court found Air France and Airbus guilty of corporate manslaughter in connection with the 2009 AF447 crash that killed 228 people, imposing the maximum €225,000 fines on each company; the verdict closes a 17-year legal battle with families seeking recognition, while further appeals are anticipated and could prolong the case.

Paris Court Finds Air France and Airbus Liable for 2009 AF447 Disaster
world1 month ago

Paris Court Finds Air France and Airbus Liable for 2009 AF447 Disaster

France’s Paris Appeals Court has found Air France and Airbus solely responsible for the 2009 AF447 crash that killed 228 people, after an eight‑week trial, and ordered the maximum fines of €225,000 for each company; Airbus said it would appeal. The verdict follows a decade-long search for the wreckage and black boxes and marks a rare acknowledgment of accountability in a major aviation disaster.

Italy to Replace KC-767s with Six Airbus A330 MRTT Tankers
defense1 month ago

Italy to Replace KC-767s with Six Airbus A330 MRTT Tankers

Italy has signed a roughly €1.4 billion contract with Airbus to acquire six A330 MRTT tankers to replace its KC-767 fleet, with the deal reportedly finalized in early 2026 (TED lists Apr 16, 2026; ARMAEREO cites Feb 23, 2026) and a program duration of about eight to ten years. This continues Italy’s long effort to modernize aerial refueling capability, with the MRTT offering both boom and hose‑and‑drogue refueling and transport; it remains unclear whether the standard MRTT or the MRTT+ variant will be used.

AirAsia signs landmark 150-aircraft A220 deal, launches 160-seat cabin
business2 months ago

AirAsia signs landmark 150-aircraft A220 deal, launches 160-seat cabin

AirAsia ordered 150 Airbus A220-300 jets in the largest firm A220 order to date, making AirAsia a new customer and launch operator of a 160-seat cabin configuration with extra overwing exits. The aircraft will expand AirAsia's ASEAN and Central Asia routes while preserving low operating costs; Airbus notes 501 A220s delivered to 25 operators as of March 2026, with SAF use supported today and a goal of 100% SAF by 2030.

Europe’s Module Powers Artemis II, signaling broader Moon-partnered ambitions
space3 months ago

Europe’s Module Powers Artemis II, signaling broader Moon-partnered ambitions

Artemis II’s Moon flyby benefited from the Airbus-built European Service Module, which provides propulsion, life-support and thermal control for Orion; the module performed flawlessly, underscoring Europe’s long-running role in human spaceflight and signaling ambitions to supply modules for Artemis III/IV and participate in the lunar Gateway through international cooperation.