Paris, France. 25 June 2019. Cobham Aerospace Communications Dourdan has been awarded a prestigious prize for innovation, by global leading rotary wing manufacturer Airbus Helicopters.
The award-winning design integrates multiple antenna functions within the fuselage’s composite in one place, instead of as many as 20 externally mounted antennas per helicopter, each with complex installation challenges. In the future aircraft manufacturers will be able to acquire the composite structures with Cobham antennas embedded inside, meaning fewer part numbers to procure and assemble. This will lead to quicker production times, elimination of physical damage to external antennas and a more streamlined aesthetic for reduced drag.
Paul Kahn, President, Cobham Communications and Connectivity, commented: “Cobham is committed to working with partners like Airbus to help keep them at the cutting edge of aircraft innovation. This technology has applications beyond helicopters, on fixed wing aircraft and UAVs, where it has the potential to deliver substantial fuel and emissions savings. We look forward to announcing its use on other airframes soon.”
