New Atlas

Aircraft Audio available

Airbus flight tests plane with flapping wing-tips inspired by the albatross

David Szondy June 17, 2019

Airbus engineers have flown a scale-model airplane with flapping wing-tips. Based on the structure of the albatross wing, the remote-controlled AlbatrossOne uses a "semi-aeroelastic hinge" concept that reacts to turbulence and wind gusts to minimize their effects and reduce stress on the airframe.

The scale-model AlbatrossOne airplane with the first in-flight, flapping wing-tips that could revolutionize aircraft wing-design

Drones

Airbus drones deliver first packages to ships offshore

Nick Lavars March 17, 2019

Airbus has kicked off a new drone delivery trial in which its Skyways drone will deposit packages onto ships anchored offshore. It's hoped the technology now being tested in Singapore will speed up delivery times, and offer a greener and safer way of doing business in busy ports.

Airbus began shore-to-ship trials in Singapore with its Skyways parcel delivery drone last Friday

Aircraft Audio available

Airbus to cease deliveries of A380 in two years

Ben Coxworth February 14, 2019

After making its first flight in 2005, the Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet proceeded to become the flagship aircraft of the Emirates airline. This Thursday, however, it was announced that Emirates has reduced its latest order. As a result, Airbus will cease deliveries of the A380 in 2021.

The Airbus A380 is the world's largest airliner, and Emirates flies more of them than any ...

Space Audio available

Britain rolls out first reprogrammable "chameleon" satellite

David Szondy January 10, 2019

The final component of a"chameleon" satellite is shipping out for final assembly as the Eutelsat Quantum communication satellite is moved from the Surrey Satellite Technology facility for final assembly in France. It's the first satellite that can be completely reprogrammed in orbit.

Eutelsat Quantum is a pioneering mission that will influence how telecom satellites are procured and manufactured ...

Urban Transport Audio available

Audi's flying taxi concept takes flight, in miniature form

Nick Lavars November 27, 2018

Part-drone, part-self-driving electric car, Audi’s Pop.Up Next is an ambitious concept dreamt up in collaboration with subsidiary Italdesign and Airbus. The automaker is this week carrying out the first public demonstrations, albeit at just a quarter of the size the finished product.

Audi is demonstrating 1:4 scale model of its Pop.Up Next transport system at Drone Week in ...

Aircraft

Airbus' solar-powered Zephyr smashes flight duration record on maiden outing

Nick Lavars August 8, 2018

Airbus' Zephyr program has claimed another record, with a production model unmanned solar-powered aircraft touching down after more than 25 days in the air. That voyage is the longest unmanned flight ever made, and was achieved on this particular vehicle's maiden voyage, no less.

Aircraft

Flying whale: Airbus BelugaXL takes flight

David Szondy July 19, 2018

With a livery that reflects its namesake, the first of Airbus' five BelugaXL heavy transport aircraft completed its maiden flight today at Toulouse-Blagnac, France. At 2:21 pm CEST, the three-story tall airplane touched down after finishing its first four hours and eleven minutes in the air.

The Beluga XL coming in for a landing after its maiden flight

Aircraft

Airbus achieves first large-aircraft autonomous aerial refueling

David Szondy July 15, 2018

Automated in-flight refueling has come to large aircraft after Airbus Defence and Space and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) conducted the first Automatic Air-to-Air (A3R) refueling between an Airbus 310 development tanker and a RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport off the coast of Spain.

Tracking mask used by the refueling system

Aircraft

Airbus welcomes A220 series to the family

David Szondy July 11, 2018

The Airbus Group's stable got a bit larger on July 11 as an A220 made its first appearance in Airbus livery. Coming fresh from the paint shop, the A220-300 landed at the company's Henri-Ziegler Delivery Centre near Toulouse at 12:25 pm CEST as an audience of media and Airbus employees looked on.

The Airbus A220-300 was formerly the Bombardier C-300

Aircraft

Ultra long-range Airbus A350 XWB completes maiden flight

David Szondy April 23, 2018

The latest version of the Airbus Ultra Long Range A350 XWB airliner has taken to the skies for its maiden flight. The twin-engined aircraft took off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France as part of a short test program to certify a number of modifications to increase its range and efficiency.

The no. 1 Ultra Long Range A350 XWB version made its first flight from France’s Toulouse-Blagnac ...