Space firsts: Metal 3D printer & surgical robot on their way to the ISS

Among the more than 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) of cargo that blasted off from Cape Canaveral on the 30th of January, bound for the International Space Station, were two firsts: the world’s first metal 3D printer designed especially for use in orbit and the fi… Continue reading Space firsts: Metal 3D printer & surgical robot on their way to the ISS

Airbus’s EcoPulse aircraft makes maiden all-hybrid flight

Airbus’ EcoPulse hybrid-electric distributed propulsion demonstrator aircraft has completed its maiden flight using its complete powertrain of ePropellers, high-density batteries, and a turbogenerator in support of aviation’s decarbonization.Continue R… Continue reading Airbus’s EcoPulse aircraft makes maiden all-hybrid flight

Modular kit turns Airbus A400M transports into firefighting aircraft

Airbus has flight tested the latest prototype of its A400M Roll-on/Roll-off modular kit that turns a standard Airbus A400M turboprop military transport aircraft into a firefighting bomber to drop water and retardants on conflagrations.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Modular kit turns Airbus A400M transports into firefighting aircraft

Airbus’ FlightLab flies itself while pilot rides shotgun with a tablet

Having shown off simplified copter controls, Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab has completed a fully automated flight testing a new simplified tablet-based human machine interface (HMI) designed to reduce pilot workloads and increase safety.Continue Readin… Continue reading Airbus’ FlightLab flies itself while pilot rides shotgun with a tablet

Autonomous air-to-air refueling system will radically boost endurance

Airbus innovation division UpNext is testing its next-gen autonomous systems for air-to-air in-flight refueling, which could be a revolutionary leap forward for a variety of military and civil aircraft, radically and safely extending range and enduranc… Continue reading Autonomous air-to-air refueling system will radically boost endurance

Airbus to launch new low-carbon ocean fleet featuring Flettner rotors

Mentioning Airbus doesn’t usually bring the image of sea vessels to mind, but the aerospace giant has announced that it plans to replace its charter fleet that carries components across the ocean with greener, more efficient ships starting in 2026.Cont… Continue reading Airbus to launch new low-carbon ocean fleet featuring Flettner rotors