Summary

  • Airbus is testing a new technology to assist pilots during the taxi phase, aiming to reduce workload and enhance safety.
  • Optimate uses advanced features like computer vision and geo-locating sensors to guide aircraft safely and automatically.
  • Airbus plans to implement Optimate on future planes, with the next phase involving testing on an A350-1000 test aircraft.

With the aviation sector projected to grow massively over the next couple of decades, Airbus is already planning to decongest airports and reduce cockpit workload. The plane maker is testing a new technology that will assist pilots during the taxi phase, among other important parts of the journey, and has developed a special truck equipped with an Airbus A350 virtual flight deck to test the product.

Testing automatic taxiing

UpNext, Airbus’ wholly-owned subsidiary, has launched and is testing a next-generation autonomy demonstrator called Optimate, which it says will serve as an extra pair of eyes and ears for pilots. With the aim of reducing cockpit workload for various crucial stages of the flight, the initial testing focuses on the taxi phase.

The three-year project has been developed in partnership with industry stakeholders, researchers, and regulatory bodies, including the French Civil Aviation Authority. Optimate’s ground test bench is actually a truck, with the registration OPTI1.

Airbus UpNext Optimate_AI-MAN-DSV08242

Photo: Airbus

It is equipped with an Airbus A350 virtual flight deck, featuring ‘computer vision’ devices, including geo-locating sensors, 4D radar and lidar. These features work together to form a virtual assistant to help safely and automatically guide an aircraft during taxi. The truck is also fitted with a full flight test installation to help engineers monitor the tests. Michael Augello, CEO Airbus UpNext, commented,

“We are delighted to unveil another innovative demonstrator that reflects our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation. Our ambition is to use the best technologies to make our aircraft even more aware of their operating conditions, analysing it in as much detail as possible to become smart and reliable assistants to pilots, providing them with the optimal assistance. We are confident that this project will contribute to safer and more efficient air travel.”

Relying on more accurate data

Optimate aims to develop and test automatic taxiing by assessing more accurate and reliable position calculation. Airbus says that this technology will also look at the potential of quantum sensing to improve position availability and navigation system robustness.

Airbus UpNext Optimate_AI-MAN-DSC4896

Photo: Airbus

Airbus has identified three topics that need to be addressed to avoid any flight crew overload: reducing pilot workload; increasing safety through automated trajectory protection; and digitally assisting collaboration between flight crews and air traffic control. Through this project, Airbus wants to bring down the number of tasks performed by pilots in the cockpit so they can focus primarily on critical decision-making.

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Next phase

The plane maker has used the truck well so far, testing it at UpNext’s headquarters near Toulouse and later on the runways of Blagnac airport. Next, the team aims to take it to an international airport.

Later this year, Optimate will take the next step and demonstrate automated taxi operations onboard an Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft. Airbus says that this phase will reveal a prototype version of new automation functions.

Airbus UpNext Optimate_AI-MAN-DSC4798

Photo: Airbus

Until then, the truck will continue to log in thousands of hours to test the technology and work towards the larger goal of making it available on all Airbus aircraft in the future.

What do you think about Airbus’ Optimate? Please leave a comment below.


  • rsz_airbus_50th_years_anniversary_formation_flight_-_air_to_air

    Airbus

    Stock Code:
    AIR

    Date Founded:
    1970-12-18

    CEO:
    Guillaume Faury

    Headquarters Location:
    Toulouse, France

    Key Product Lines:
    Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380

    Business Type:
    Planemaker

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