Addressing the growing concerns surrounding increased air traffic, overcrowded airports, and congested airspace has become a priority for industry leaders. Airbus, the European aerospace giant, has stepped forward with its Optimate program, a strategic initiative designed to alleviate these challenges.
With a focus on reducing pilot workload, implementing automated trajectory protection systems, and fostering enhanced collaboration between pilots and air traffic control through digital tools, Optimate endeavors to raise automation within the aviation sector.
Airbus has built an autonomous demonstrator to showcase these technologies. The demonstrator includes tools for highly efficient automatic gate-to-gate missions, such as 4D trajectory flight management, a tablet-operated virtual assistant, and overridable protections.
These tools are designed to be used from taxiing before takeoff to landing and taxiing to the gate. The Optimate program, expected to last three years, begins with developing automated ground taxiing technology.
At the forefront of aviation innovation, Airbus pioneers a remarkable approach to testing by employing a heavily customized electric van affectionately labeled as the “cockpit on wheels.” This unique vehicle boasts an array of cutting-edge technologies including a virtual flight deck, computer vision systems, geo-locating sensors, 4D radar, and lidar.
Operating autonomously, it gracefully maneuvers around the runway, meticulously undergoing extensive testing procedures. With successful trials completed, Airbus sets its sights on deploying this advanced van to a bustling international airport. Subsequently, plans are underway to equip an A350-1000 aircraft with the requisite apparatus for automated taxi operations, a milestone anticipated to be achieved by year-end.