Airbus 2015 Annual Report Download - page 30

SATELLITE MILESTONE
Heralding a new generation of reconfigurable
satellites, Quantum is the first satellite able to
adapt its coverage, bandwidth, power and
frequency and even change its orbital position
to suit changing customer requirements.
In 2015, Airbus Defence and Space signed
the first Quantum satellite contract with Eutelsat
and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Innovation Highlights
ELECTRIC FLIGHT
Developed in an Airbus Group-led European programme, the E-Fan
demonstrator was designed from the outset specifically for electric power –
a world first. In July 2015, the E-Fan became the first all-electric aircraft to
cross the English Channel taking off and landing under its own power.
The E-Fan demonstrator sets the stage for subsequent production versions:
first, the two-seat E-Fan 2.0, scheduled to make its maiden flight late in 2017.
X6 CONCEPT PHASE LAUNCHED
The next-generation, twin-engine X6 helicopter aims to be the benchmark for
the heavy helicopter sector for the next decade and beyond. Amongst its major
innovations will be the fly-by-wire flight control system. While initially targeting oil
and gas missions, the X6 will also be suited to search and rescue, VIP and other
applications. The X6 will share commonality features with the company’s latest
rotorcraft. The concept was launched in 2015 and entry-into-service is planned
for the 2020s.
AIRBUS GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2015 l 28 l