EADC aerospace technology

Europe's aerospace giant is focusing its research and development activities on more economical, safer, cleaner, and quieter technologies.

With more than 100,000 employees and a turnover of almost €31 million per year, EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space) is Europe's largest aerospace company and the second largest in the world, embracing civil aviation, helicopters, space, military transport, and combat aircraft together with defense technology and services. EADS recently revealed details on some of its technology programs and solutions, from techniques to make helicopters quieter, to the launch of the Earth observation satellite Envisat on an Ariane 5. In 2001, EADS invested more than € 2 billion of its own funds (6.6% of revenue) in research and development. This year the figure is expected to be higher.

Phillipe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, EADS's two joint CEOs, while analyzing the direction of R&D, said the philosophy in the aerospace industry until only a few years ago was “faster, higher, further.” But that has changed. “More economical, safer, cleaner, and quieter-those are today's criteria,” they said in a joint statement, and added that environmental compatibility is essential alongside performance. Security is also “the overriding principle,” as it was long before the September 11 attacks. “All this must be provided in such a cost-effective manner that both we manufacturers and also our customers are equally satisfied.”