Company · Filton
Airbus takes part in UK quantum work mainly as an aerospace end user testing what quantum computers might do for it. Airbus Operations Ltd partnered in a 4colors-led NQCC SparQ proof of concept with ORCA Computing that ran hybrid algorithms for aircraft cargo loading on gate-based and photonic hardware, and Airbus joined Capgemini's QuantiCo consortium modelling corrosion of aluminium alloys. In December 2024 it teamed with Oxford Ionics and Quanscient on quantum simulation of fluid dynamics, supplying airfoil design use cases. Airbus Group is also a listed partner of QCi3, the Oxford-led national quantum computing hub.
Airbus is a company in Filton. It is a partner in 5 UK projects, including QCi3, QEPNT and Quantum-Accelerated Mixed-Integer Optimisation for Aircraft Loading.
Sources: NQCC: Quantum-Accelerated Mixed-Integer Optimisation for Aircraft Loading · NQCC: QuantiCo, Quantum Computing for Corrosion · Airbus & Oxford Ionics: Quantum Fluid Dynamics | Quantum Zeitgeist · GtR: QCi3 hub (EP/Z53318X/1)
QCi3
The national research hub for quantum computing, led by the University of Oxford. It works on scalable and networked quantum computers.
Role: Partner
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Computing, Networks, Software and algorithms
QEPNT
A national research hub for quantum position, navigation and timing, led by the University of Glasgow. It aims to reduce reliance on satellite signals such as GPS.
Role: Partner
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Timing and navigation, Sensing, Defence and security
A 4colors-led proof of concept that tested hybrid classical and quantum algorithms for loading cargo on aircraft.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing, Software and algorithms
QuantiCo
A consortium of Capgemini UK, Airbus, King's College London and the NQCC that used quantum chemistry methods to predict corrosion of aluminium alloys.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing, Materials and components
QCS
The phase 2 national hub for quantum computing and simulation, led by the University of Oxford. It ran from 2019 to 2024.
Role: Partner
Funding: £27.3m
Themes: Computing, Software and algorithms
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