For more than 15 years, Airbus’ deliveries of commercial aircraft have increased, each year setting new records. This is in addition to corporate jets and military aircraft.

According to a summary of Airbus orders, deliveries, and aircraft in operation as at 30 November 2018:

• 18,973 A300/A310, A220/A320, A330/A340/A350, and A380 aircraft had been ordered.
• 11,636 of these models had been delivered to customers.
• 10,593 of these aircraft were in operation.

Total deliveries for 2017 alone totaled 718, with 1,109 net orders from 44 customers on their books.

What is even more impressive is the complex logistics, wide-ranging expertise, and multinational cooperation that takes place to produce every single one of these aircraft.

Design and Engineering of Airbus Aircraft

With headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus operates a global network of design and engineering centers based in the United Kingdom, Germany, North America, Spain, and Russia. Each has its own responsibilities, for instance:

• The Toulouse, France HQ is where engineering, structure testing, and flight tests take place. This is also the delivery center for completed aircraft and where the final assembly lines for A380 jetliners and the A320, A330, and A350 XWB are found. There are also final assembly lines (FAL) in Hamburg, Germany, in Tianjin, China, and in Mobile, Alabama.
• The facility in Mobile, Alabama manufactures various interior elements of the Airbus widebody A330, the A350 XWB, and A380 jetliners.
• In Hamburg, Germany the focus is on structural assembly and the outfitting of fuselage sections. This includes major assembly of components for A380, final assembly of the A320 family of aircraft, and the manufacture and fitting of rear fuselage sections for A350 and A330 XWB programs.
• In Bremen, Germany the focus is on designing and manufacturing high-lift systems for wings of all Airbus models.
• Stade, Germany produces vertical tails and a variety of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic components including spoilers for A330 aircraft and flaps for single-aisle A320. 
• Buxtehude, Germany produces cabin management systems and electronic communications elements.
• Saint-Nazaire in France is where structural assembly and testing of both front and central fuselage sections for all Airbus models takes place.
• Nantes, France is responsible for the manufacture and assembly of Airbus aircraft center-wing boxes. This site is also a leader in creating structural parts from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.
• The facility in Broughton, North Wales assembles more than 1,000 wings for Airbus every year, while the Filton facility focuses on R&T and engineering for landing gear, wing design, and fuel systems.
• Gatafe in Spain specializes in design, engineering, production, and assembly of aeronautical components. It uses both advanced composite and metallic materials for airframe components for all Airbus aircraft.
• In Illescas, Spain the focus is mainly on complex-shaped and large-scale parts while in Puerto Real the specialization is automated assembly of movable surfaces for jetliners and production of the horizontal tail boxes for A350 XWB.

Customized In-House Transportation System for Major Airbus Sections 

With major Airbus sections being manufactured all over the world, the challenge is to transport these to final assembly lines.

While the company has always used surface transportation that includes roll-on/roll-off ships to transport fuselage and wing sections, smaller components were transported by air, in Airbus-modified aircraft to meet the challenges.

Using the A300-600 model as a baseline, designers and engineers modified the aircraft to include a bulbous cargo cabin. Called the A300-600ST (super transporter), this specialized aircraft is able to transport a 103,616 lbs (47 metric tonne) payload over 900 nautical miles (1,667 km).

A new-generation “airlifter” based on the A330-200 will be introduced soon, also with an enlarged cargo area.

Test Programs and Certification for Airbus Aircraft

Aircraft products can only be put into service once rigorous tests have been undertaken. These include fuselage pressure tests, fatigue tests, maximum wing-bending tests at limit loads, low-speed takeoffs, rejected takeoffs and landings, performance in extremely hot and cold conditions, and engine water ingestion tests.

Once the aircraft has completed these grueling tests they are issued with a “type certificate” that shows it is airworthy in terms of the aircraft manufacturer’s design. This is followed by the issue of an “airworthiness certificate” that allows aircraft operations in specific regions or countries.

Once this has been done, the aircraft prototype is cleared for service and full-scale series production can begin.

Maintenance of Airbus Aircraft

Once Airbus aircraft are in service, it’s vital to ensure that they are regularly serviced and overhauled if necessary. For this reason, Airbus offers turnkey solutions to make sure that Airbus service and parts are always available. The company also provides Airbus operators with 24/7 assistance for their aircraft.

Prime Industries is an independent company that offers parts, and service and repair of parts service for fixed wing and Airbus helicopters. We are based in the U.S. which can speed up the process if you are in the U.S. as well.

Contact us to see if what you need is in our current inventory. If it isn’t, we will help you find parts that meet your requirements within your budget.

Back in the day, there used to be three pilots in the cockpit of commercial passenger planes. But when Boeing changed the cockpit design of its 757s in the 1980s it was down to two.

Now Boeing is developing technology that will enable them to manufacture safe single-pilot planes. If they succeed, they will cut down the number of pilots required to fly their planes, which, in turn, will cut the costs of both training and salaries. It would also be a solution for a pilot shortage in certain areas.

According to Boeing, they will pioneer cargo transport single-pilot planes before passenger planes. This is largely to ensure they get public support and trust for the concept. 

The Concept of Single-Pilot Passenger Planes Goes Public

At an airshow in Singapore earlier this year, Singapore Technologies Engineering ST Aerospace demonstrated how cockpits could be modified for one pilot when passenger jets are converted to cargo freighters.

While there has been global interest in the concept, it is not a reality yet. Nevertheless, according to the director-general of Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority, Kevin Shum, flight technology is sufficiently advanced for it become a reality in as few as five years.

Would it be Safe to Fly With Only One Pilot?

Safety is, of course, the greatest concern. With two pilots, if one is incapacitated for any reason, or is distracted or suffers from fatigue, there is another trained person to take over the controls. Even if nothing goes wrong during the flight, the workload for one person is currently considered unacceptable, particularly on long intercontinental flights.

Yet, the consensus seems to be that single-pilot planes would be great for transporting cargo. In fact, there is even considerable enthusiasm for autonomous cargo planes.

The Swiss multi-national investment bank and financial services company, UBS Group AC published an extensive report in July that estimated a potential profit of $15 billion if single-pilot planes were used. This would increase to $35 billion of the planes were autonomous.

While this report predicted long-haul commercial passenger flights switching to reduced cockpit crews as early as 2023, it conceded that the biggest challenge would be consumer acceptance. The company’s surveys indicate that 52 percent of people are opposed to the idea of single-pilot aircraft.

But what do pilots think?

According to an article published by Bloomberg in October, the president of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations, Lee Collins said it would be inviting catastrophe to have any fewer than two pilots in the cockpit. Apart from anything else, it would invite terrorist hijackings, he said.

President of the largest U.S. pilot union, Air Line Pilots Association, Tim Cannoll said single-pilot operations were unsafe and as such should be totally unacceptable to Americans.

The view most commonly held by pilots is that aviation depends on human judgment when it comes to the myriad of unexpected events that can happen in the air.

Even though much of modern aircraft operations are already automated, the argument is that pilots are still required to monitor instruments in flight. If something goes wrong, they can intervene manually.

The Boeing Approach to Single-Pilot Planes

It is known that Boeing is actively developing the technology required to make single-pilot planes a reality.

A Boeing vice-president, Steve Nordlund has been quoted as saying autonomous technology which will permit a reduction in onboard crew on their aircraft is being developed at “good speed.”

He confirmed that Boeing has faith in self-piloted aircraft and autonomous flights. While cargo jets would probably be the first to trial the new technology, he said it made business sense to follow through to passenger planes.

Boeing and Airbus Parts and Services

Prime Industries specializes in parts and service for both fixed-wing planes and helicopters, including both Boeing and Airbus. So if you are looking for Boeing or Airbus parts and services, have a look at our inventory, or contact us for assistance.

Regardless of where they are in the world, criminals are known to operate under the cover of darkness. This is why the British National Police Air Service (NPAS) has invested  £1.5 million in equipping and standardizing the night vision (NVIS) capability of the UK police fleet of helicopters.

The NPAS has seven H135 helicopters all of which have been upgraded with NVIS by Airbus Helicopters. This means that the fleet is capable of NVIS operations to ground level, which will clearly improve their night surveillance capabilities in all environments and at any height.

The upgrade has involved stripping most of the instruments in the cockpits of the seven helicopters and then re-equipping them to precisely the same standards with new FENN700+ night-vision goggles and flight and mission gear. This standardization ensures that pilots and crew are all familiar with the NVIS capability whichever individual helicopter they fly in.

Airbus has been upgrading aircraft for the UK air police for about 16 years. The first aircraft to be upgraded was a G-POLF Eurocopter in 2002.

The Airbus H135 Helicopter

The H135 is a twin-engine helicopter that has been manufactured for 22 years. In service in more than 60 countries around the world, it was an obvious choice for the police crime-fighting fleet. Incredibly versatile, these aircraft have, in total, been flown more than 4.5 million hours by more than 300 operators.

Since it was first launched, the H135 has continued to evolve, extending both its performance and mission capabilities. It also boasts low fuel consumption and is well known for its low sound levels and endurance, both of which are a huge plus for police operations and general law enforcement. In fact, the sound footprint of the H135 is so much lower than other helicopters in this class that it is even permitted to fly in the Grand Canyon which has incredibly stringent noise limitations!

It can land just about anywhere, in any conditions however high or hot. It also carries more payload over longer distances than other rotorcraft in the same category. 

The newest H135s feature state-of-the-art cockpit safety with a new four-axis autopilot. The helicopter’s high-set main rotor also contributes to increased operational safety.

According to Airbus, the H135 sets the benchmark for maintenance costs. Inspection intervals are remarkably long, with intermediate inspections required at 500 flight hours and periodic inspections required every three years or 1,000 hours, whichever is first.

The H135 was granted its first NVIS certification in 2009, giving it night vision goggle (NVG)-aided operational capacity. The NVIS system certification allows the helicopter to be fitted with lighting in the cockpit, cabin, and on the exterior that is night vision friendly. It is particularly useful in autonomous operations including emergency medical services, and of course for law enforcement.

Airbus H135 Helicopter Parts & Service

Prime Industries has an extensive inventory that includes both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft parts and components, including those manufactured by Airbus. If you need parts for your H135 or any other aircraft, contact us for assistance.

Everybody know Airbus planes… huge flying machines that soar through the sky! But the latest gem developed by the France-based company is a small two-seater plane that is battery powered.

It is all part of the Airbus quest to develop electric aircraft that will ultimately be silent and free from CO₂ – or at least relatively so.

Photo Courtesy of AirBus

E-Fan 2.0 the Electric Plane Prototype

The key element in their goal for a quiet aircraft that will be totally free of harmful emissions is the E-Fan, a demonstrator aircraft launched at a high-profile English airshow last year (2016). Weighing in at just 500 kg (1,100 lbs) the good-looking little E-Fan 2.0 thrilled the crowds at the Farnborough Air Show mid year.

The new electric flying machine has dual motors with power totaling 60kW, and they drive two ducted fans that have blades with a pitch that is adjustable. The fans are mounted inside ducts so that the noise is decreased. Because this also increases the thrust of the fans, power efficiency is improved during takeoff.

The 120-cell lithium polymer battery enables a one-hour flight. The battery is cooled passively so that it relies on air rather than a powered cooling system that could overheat as they discharge power.

While not quite practical yet, Airbus has much more ambitious plans looking forward.

First Production Airbus Electric Planes Available This Year

The company has stated it will invest some €20 million in the design and development of this exciting new electric aircraft. Late 2017 has been pinpointed as the time for launching its first production planes, initially intended for pilot training. Soon after this, a slightly bigger electric plane aimed at the general aviation market will be produced. This will have sufficient space for four passengers.

While the prototype seen at Farnborough had two seats positioned one in front of the other, the production planes will have seats that are positioned alongside one another.

Futuristic “Intelligent” Factory Built for Assembly of Airbus Parts and Electric Planes

The factory site for the new E-fan 2.0 is in the south west of France at Pau Pyrénées Airport within the French Aerospace Valley. The specially designed facility measures 1,500 square meters and has a wonderfully sleek and futuristic design style. It also utilizes innovative manufacturing techniques intended to validate new aviation processes and technologies that Airbus aims to use across all its divisions.

Intelligent concepts the company envisions include:

• A seriously compact assembly floor that will reduce “distance” during build-up of aircraft.
• A new definition of the processes used that focus on quality, continuity, and the management and control taken by those operating the assembly line.
• Application of lean production procedures that have been designed to eliminate wastage.

In spite of this high tech scenario, Airbus has stated that its E-fan 2.0 production plane will have operating costs that will total only a third of traditional piston-engine light aircraft. The aircraft will also focus primarily on the needs of users.

Airbus Parts and Airbus Service

While Airbus parts required for the new electric planes are different to those currently used in Airbus helicopters and jet planes, Prime Industries remains a primary supplier. If you need parts or components for your Airbus, have a look at our comprehensive inventory, or contact us for more information.

Airbus has announced that during the third quarter of 2017 a total of 5,000 of the company’s commercial aircraft will be equipped with high-bandwidth connectivity platforms that will provide faster Internet and mobile telephone services in the air. By 2025 it is anticipated that 62 percent of the global Airbus fleet (a total of 16,600 jetliners) will be connected using the new high-bandwidth architecture.

High–bandwidth connectivity is just a part of the company’s commitment to making its on-board experience superior to that found on any other airliner. It is also their intention to improve the experience for the crew by enhancing their operational communications.

The innovative solutions that are currently being developed will utilize a new generation of high-throughput satellite technologies that are found in the Ka-band and Ku-band frequencies. Ku is regarded as a legacy band and is in great demand globally, so much so, available capacity has been exhausted in some parts of the world. Although not as widespread as Ku, Ka-band frequencies are gaining in popularity with new satellites and networks launching worldwide. The two bandwidths are sometimes used together to form a hybrid system.

Development of High-Bandwidth Connectivity by Airbus

Late 2016 Airbus, which prides itself on its modern, market-leading jetliners, became the first company in the airline industry to demonstrate its new-standard high-bandwidth connectivity platform in-flight.

According to the head of the company’s connectivity program and upgrade services, Bruno Galzin, Airbus is determined to find connectivity solutions that will provide passengers in the air with the same type of connectivity they are used to having at home. The Airbus solution will enable its passengers to remain connected throughout the flight so that they can access the Internet, exchange with people on the ground via chat or email programs, and participate in social media while en route from city to city or continent to continent.

Additionally, improved connectivity solutions will improve the operational communications of crew and cabin staff in various ways including by enabling:

• Digital cabin logbooks
• Telemedicine
• Credit card authentication

This will improve service and help to generate additional ancillary cabin revenues, he said.

The new high-bandwidth connectivity solutions Airbus plans to introduce will come from multiple suppliers. They will be used for applications on A320, A330, and A380 jetliners in new production aircraft as well as retrofit. They will also be used to supplement the A350 XWB that is described as a “digital native” because it was introduced into service with a high-bandwidth connectivity capability.

The fact that older A320, A330, and A380 jetliners will be retrofitted means that all these aircraft will require the same Airbus parts and parts service when it comes to connectivity.

Airbus Parts and Parts Service Specialist

Prime Industries specializes in the supply of Airbus helicopter and fixed wing aircraft parts. The company is also a parts service specialist and is available to overhaul parts and components. Prime clients come from a wide range of industries from medical to military, and we also deal with aircraft used for personal transport.

Contact us for more information about Airbus parts availability and pricing, or view our ever-changing inventory online.

As Airbus expands and improves its product line, the company is focusing on making aircraft that are more fuel efficient, quieter and more environmentally friendly than ever before.

Since 2006, Airbus has reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by nearly 30 percent in Europe alone. This is part of its Blue5 initiative that is striving for improved environmental performance by maximizing the use of eco-efficient technologies and processes at its production sites worldwide.

The Airbus Blue5 Initiative

Blue5 is an initiative that aims to make manufacturing as sustainable as possible. Working according to a five-pronged plan it is committed to:

1. Saving energy by reducing energy consumption across the board
2. Saving water by making better use of global water resources
3. Reducing waste by recycling materials where possible
4. Reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions through innovation
5. Reducing harmful VOC emissions by eliminating them at source

The company has made substantial headway in all five environmental areas, using several aircraft to benchmark its achievements. For instance, the spacious and luxurious A380, introduced in 2007, has become the yardstick for low noise levels and fuel efficiency. New-generation jets including the wide-body A350 XWB and the new engine option A320neo, are pushing the envelope even further.

The A350 XWB, introduced less than two years ago, in January 2015, boasts 25 percent lower fuel consumption to its aluminum long-range competitors. The A320neo, which had its maiden flights with different engines in September 2014 and May 2015, is faster than any other jet, and it can cruise at an altitude of up to 39,000 feet.

Airbus Commitment to Reduce VOC Emissions

Once VOCs have been produced, they are extremely expensive, difficult and time consuming to deal with. This is why it’s vital to tackle reduction at source. Not only is this a good environmental solution, but it also helps to reduce potential health risks that could affect humans for a long time.

Statistics released by Airbus show that between 2006 and 2014 VOC emissions based on revenue were reduced by 54.1 percent, and absolute VOC emissions were reduced by 22.9 percent.

The first Airbus production sites to take definitive steps to reduce VOC emissions are all based in Europe. All have focused on specific programs. For example:

• Production sites in Getafe and Puerto Real in Spain have replaced the high VOC methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with low and zero VOC cleaners.
• The site in Hamburg, Germany has adopted the use of encapsulated spray guns for spot repairs of fuselages in the structure assembly.
• The site in Broughton, UK has replaced the use of high-solids primers with water-based primers to reduce VOC emissions.
• Various French sites have focused on new painting technologies using water-based and low VOC paints.

Replacement of MEK

MEK is a very high VOC product that has largely been replaced by Diestone DLS in liquid form and in wipes used to clean aircraft before sealing. Using wipes results in a decrease of the amount of cleaner used, and because they are packaged in small canisters, unnecessary VOC evaporation is avoided.

In Spain Airbus has gone a step further, and has substituted DLS with A8284, which is a zero VOC product. Initially delivered in liquid form and dispensed in bottles, it is being replaced gradually with wipes at both Getafe and Puerto Real sites.

Airbus reports that the Puerto Real production site has reduced VOC emissions by 1.4 tonnes annually, and the Getafe site by an estimated 3.5 tonnes annually.

Encapsulated Spray Guns Used for Spot Repairs

Spot repairs on aircraft don’t need much paint, and by introducing lightweight encapsulated spray guns, the Hamburg site has reduced its paint wastage by about 90 percent. The guns weigh only 8 kg and have a holding capacity of just 200 ml.

Since a smaller quantity of cleaning products is required for the new spray guns, VOC emissions during the cleaning process have been reduced by 80 percent. A further reduction in VOC vapors takes place via direct suction at source when the guns are in use.

Replacement of High-Solids Primers

The Broughton site is set to reduce VOC emissions by about 3 tonnes a year, by using water-based primers and topcoats instead of high solids paints in its component manufacturing paint booths.

The paint plant has been modified and electrostatic spray equipment optimized for water-based products, introduced. Modifications to mixing and recirculation equipment are being implemented.

New Painting Technologies

The French VOC reduction program has been hugely successful, with reports of a 51 percent drop in VOC emissions at French sites in general. This has been achieved by using:

• new paint technologies
• low VOC and water-based paints
• a base coat/clear coat painting system
• wipes that are pre-impregnated

The program also involves implementing a system that avoids solvent evaporations and uses new technologies for cleaning painting tools, as well as use of a solvent recycler.

Prime Industries Sells Airbus Parts

Prime Industries is an ISO 9001:2008 certified FAA AC 00-56A compliant company that supplies, repairs and overhauls aircraft parts and components for fixed-wing planes and helicopters. These include Airbus and other leading aircraft manufacturers. If you are in the market for Airbus parts or need help with Airbus maintenance, contact us for availability and pricing of parts.

It’s official: Airbus has produced a corporate jet with the best cabin of any business jet in use today.

An ACJ319, operated by the Austrian company MJet and used for charters, was on show at the recent business aviation Jet Expo in Moscow. Boasting the tallest, widest cabin of any business jet, it is aimed at customers wanting even more range and capacity than the widebody ACJ320 family of jets currently offers.

The jet on show was magnificent, and featured several open-plan luxury lounge areas at the front of the plane, as well as a bedroom with shower and en suite bathroom at the rear.

According to Airbus, the spacious and luxurious ACJ319 is already in “widespread service” with governments, companies and wealthy individuals throughout the world. Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy points out the importance of cabins in the business jet world, saying that the space, comfort and overall freedom of those flying in this Airbus corporate jet has to be experienced to be “truly appreciated.”

Apart from ultimate space and luxury, Airbus corporate jets are the most efficient and reliable in the business jet world. With what is an impressive heritage, these incredible flying machines deliver features that include:

• weight-saving carbonfiber,
• cost-saving maintenance that is centralized,
• advanced cockpits with leading-edge avionics, and
• fly-by-wire controls that enhance integrity with flight envelope protection and handling qualities.

While these features are now regarded as standard in new aircraft built to operate in the business jet world, a “culture of innovation” sees Airbus constantly adding major improvements to its new aircraft. These improvements include new-generation engines as well as distinctive fuel-saving wingtip-mounted Sharklets that give Airbus corporate jets and commercial airliners a significant advantage.

The ACJ319neo (which offers the new engine option – neo) has a flying time of 15 hours and sufficient power to fly eight passangers 6,750 nm/12,500 km. The larger ACJ320neo has the ability to carry 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,400 km. Because of their improved fuel efficiency and increased range, these planes are sometimes labelled as being “green.” Additionally the ACJneo turbofan engines have higher pressure ratios and improved aerodynamic flows which also contribute to reduced fuel consumption.

As well as the extra space offered in ACJ319neo and ACJ320neo jets, lower cabin altitude also enhances passenger comfort. So even when the aircraft are crusing at the highest altitude possible, the atmosphere is similar to that experienced on the ground.

And as if this isn’t impressive enough, Airbus also offers VIP versions of its widebody jets including the A350 which is billed as the world’s newest airliner. This amazing jet features carbonfiber wings and fuselage that are lightweight and cut down the maintenance required.

Overall, Airbus Corporate Jets aims to give its customers and operators tip top services that are tailored specifically their individual needs.

According to the company, there are more than 180 Airbus corporate jets in service, and they fly on every single continent, including Antarctica.

Airbus Parts and Service from Prime Industries

Prime Industries will supply, repair and service parts for all Airbus aircraft, including helicopters. Let us know what you need.

Development of a military Airbus Helicopter H225M equipped with the HForce weapon system is on track for release at the end of next year (2017), the Airbus Group has announced.

The HForce Weapon System

The first stage of firing tests was completed early June using HForce, which is described as a “generic weapon system.” The system, which has been tested for more than five months, is an innovative one that includes a number of important Airbus Helicopter parts for use with Airbus Helicopters H225M:

• A central core unit
• Thales’ Scorpion monocular helmet mounted sight display (HMSD)
• A Wescam-manufactured electro-optical system (EOS)
• Gunner ammunition or armament weapon pods and weapon grips

According to an Airbus Group statement, the firing “campaign” or tests took place between May 25 and June 3 this year, on a safe range in some part of Belgium. This gave Airbus Helicopters the opportunity to demonstrate how the HForce-equipped H225M helicopters were able to perform using ballistic weapons.

During the firing campaign, 70 mm size rockets, 20 mm size cannons, and 12.7 mm guns were used. HForce program manager, Jean-Luc André described the campaign as an important milestone that was achieved in the time allowed. He said the results surpassed expectations and were above the required specifications. Ultimately, the results provided significant added value for tracking targets and for the procurement of day and night missions.

The HForce project was launched just over two years ago as an affordable plug and play system to manage weapons that can be added to incrementally. It was designed to cater for the defense agencies requirements worldwide that need to add light attack mission capabilities to existing fleets of specialized helicopters designed for attack.

HForce can be fitted to any of the Airbus Helicopters commercial range of aircraft – the H125M, H145M, and of course the H225M.

The company, which is a division of the Airbus Group, is well known for its highly efficient civil and military helicopters worldwide. There are currently an estimated 12,000 helicopters in service, operated in 154 countries by more than 3,000 Airbus customers.

Airbus H225M Helicopters

Originally developed as the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, and introduced in 2005, Airbus Helicopters H225M is ideal for troop transport, combat search and rescue, and casualty evacuation. Used in many crisis areas including Afghanistan and Lebanon, it is operated from both land and ships, and flies in all weather conditions. It has a 700 nautical mile range that can be extended by air-to-air refueling. A high-performance machine that can take off in less than five minutes, the H225M travels at high speed and gets to its destination quickly. It was designed with survivability a key factor, and has a reinforced structural mail frames, as well as landing gear capable of absorbing energy, and both self-sealing and “crashworthy” fuel tanks.

Airbus Helicopter Parts and Airbus Helicopter Maintenance

Of course Airbus Helicopters makes Airbus Helicopter parts and undertakes Airbus Helicopter maintenance. However there are times when customers, particularly those with older aircraft, need parts and service that they cannot get directly from Airbus.

US-based Prime Industries specializes in the supply of Airbus Helicopter parts as well as parts for other aircraft, including other Airbus craft, Boeing, and Lockheed. The company also specializes in the repair and overhaul of Airbus Helicopter parts and components, and has an extensive inventory of new, repaired, and overhauled parts.

So if you need Airbus Helicopter parts or assistance with Airbus Helicopter maintenance, contact us for pricing and availability.

Airbus Helicopters has announced plans to use robots to paint Airbus Helicopter parts and do other repetitive tasks. The company plans to use a “new generation of humanoid robots” to do this, with the robots imitating “what they see,” rather than being autonomous.

Initially they will start using robots to paint primary Airbus Helicopter parts like the rotor hub, as well as some quite complex markings and decorations on their aircraft.

The company introduced its first robotic applications in 2015, and has said that it will continue to release additional robotic applications “every year or so.” However there is no plan to replace humans with robots. Rather, it is planned that robots will automate “high-volume repetitive activities” allowing people to focus on other important tasks.

According to Georges-Eric Moufle who heads Airbus Helicopters’ Aeronautical Factory of the Future project, robots will allow them to optimize the “finishing painting workflow” with “low energy consumption.” He further describes this workflow as a process that starts with preparation of the aircraft’s green surface and ends with curing of the final topcoat of paint.

Ultimately, the use of robots for painting Airbus Helicopter parts will help the company “optimize weight and cycle savings,” says Moufle.

The Role of Robots in Airbus Group’s Factory of the Future

According to Airbus robotics expert, Adolfo Suarez Roos, the company aims to develop robots that will be able to interact safely with humans and will be able to adapt to unexpected situations. It was working through the ICARO project to do this, he said.

ICARO (Increase of CAR Occupancy) is a European transport research project that was originally launched in 1997 to develop car-pooling policies in an endeavor to increase car occupancy rates in EU countries.

In a joint interview with Suarez Roos in 2014, Chrisoph Borst, head of autonomy and teleoperation at the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Robotics and Mechantronics said that for 15 years they had been developing motion capabilities of robots. The next stage was to include human workers, and develop language that would enable them to work with robots. Since the process of human thinking is “really complicated,” he said they would start with relatively simple interactions and cited human collaborations with dogs as an example.

Since Airbus produces on average 1.5 aircraft every day, Suarez Roos said they needed to program robots to do tasks that last several hours.

In addition to painting Airbus Helicopter parts, the company is planning to get robots to do waterproofing tests on doors, windows and fuselages. Robots would be programed to track each bit of these various Airbus Helicopter parts, listening for noises that might indicate leaks of any sort in the airframe. They are also reportedly looking at using robots to increase automation when manufacturing the skin of helicopter blades.

Prime Industries Role in Provision of Airbus Helicopter Parts

While US-based Prime Industries doesn’t have any plans to employ robots in the foreseeable future, the company does offer new, repaired and overhauled Airbus Helicopter parts, as well as parts for Airbus planes, Lockheed and Boeing. Prime Industries also offers Airbus Helicopter maintenance services.