How Airbus & Oxford Ionics are Shaping Quantum Flight Design

Quantum computing is emerging as a potential solution to some of the aerospace industry’s most complex computational challenges, from aircraft design to flight operations. While traditional supercomputers can take months to process aerodynamic simulations, quantum systems promise to complete these calculations in hours, potentially transforming how aircraft manufacturers approach design and testing.

Aerospace manufacturers today are facing mounting pressure to reduce emissions while developing new aircraft faster. Current computational methods require significant time and energy – a single aircraft simulation can consume as much power as a small city over several months.

Oxford Ionics, a University of Oxford quantum computing spinout, has announced a partnership with aviation giant Airbus and simulation software provider Quanscient to develop quantum computing applications that could transform aircraft design and performance testing.

The partnership aims to accelerate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations – complex calculations that predict how air flows around aircraft to determine lift, drag, noise levels and fuel efficiency. Current simulations require supercomputers using one trillion gigabytes of RAM and 100 billion terawatts of power over 100 days.

Quantum computing could reduce this to one hour using 20 kilowatts, potentially removing a significant bottleneck in aircraft development while reducing the carbon footprint of an industry responsible for 2.5% of global emissions.

Quantum computing targets fluid dynamics breakthrough

The collaboration forms part of the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre’s SparQ programme, which aims to identify practical applications for quantum technology. Oxford Ionics says it will combine its quantum computers with Quanscient’s algorithms to create simulations for airfoil designs and vehicle aerodynamics.

For Airbus, quantum computing presents opportunities beyond aerodynamics. The company has conducted trials using quantum systems to optimise cargo loading and flight trajectories. In 2022, the aerospace giant tested quantum computing for cargo container organisation using technology from quantum computing firm IonQ.

Airbus has also partnered with BMW Group to use quantum computing for modelling chemical reactions in hydrogen fuel cells, which it hopes could accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft.

Electronic Qubit Control enables semiconductor integration

Oxford Ionics’ approach uses a proprietary technology called Electronic Qubit Control, which manages quantum bits using electronics rather than lasers. The system integrates onto a semiconductor chip manufactured in standard fabrication facilities.

The company reports this method has achieved performance records in key quantum computing metrics including single-qubit gate fidelity, two-qubit gate fidelity and quantum state preparation and measurement (SPAM).

The technology appears well-suited to handle complex aerospace calculations. Current computers struggle with scenarios like organising 20 cargo containers each containing 30 packages – a problem with more potential solutions than there are particles in the universe.

“Powerful quantum computers are poised to radically transform how we approach complex computational challenges like CFD – the question is no longer if, but when, we’ll see this value unlocked,” says Dr Chris Ballance, Oxford Ionics co-founder and CEO. “We are thrilled to be working with Quanscient and Airbus to take fundamental steps towards making this future a reality.”

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