Airbus tests Optimate automated gate-to-gate mission profile on A350-1000 demonstrator
Airbus completed its Optimate research campaign, testing automated gate-to-gate operations on an A350-1000 demonstrator. The program logged more than 500 hours of ground trials and 14 flight hours.
1. Automation trials
Airbus ended its UpNext Optimate research campaign, testing automated gate-to-gate operations using an A350-1000 test aircraft. Taxi trials reached centimeter-level positioning with multi-sensor fusion, and experimental quantum sensing was tested for resilient navigation. Hybrid 5G, satellite and radio links were also trialed for airport connectivity, supporting real-time routing, weather avoidance and diversion planning. Results will feed into other engineering programs, with pilots remaining in control.
