Exploring Aerospace Innovation: Excursion to Airbus Stade & Bremen

On February 19–20, 2025, students from the Commercial Aircraft Composite Technology lecture had the unique opportunity to explore the Airbus plants in Stade and Bremen. This exclusive excursion provided an in-depth look at the latest composite materials and manufacturing technologies used in modern aircraft.

Airbus Stade

In Stade, the group followed the entire production process—from semi-finished carbon fiber materials (prepreg) to additive manufacturing with tape laying, curing in the world's largest autoclave, quality assurance via ultrasound, and assembly using automated riveting machines. Key components on display included vertical stabilizers, wing shells, and fuselage structures.

Airbus Bremen

The visit to Bremen offered a closer look at wing equipment for the A350 long-haul aircraft, including slats, spoilers, landing flaps, electrical wiring (24 km of cable per wing!), hydraulics, and actuators. The students also witnessed the fuselage production of the A400M. As a special highlight, the group saw the manufacturing of the supply module for NASA’s Orion capsule, which will support future moon missions.

Interested?

This annual excursion is an integral part of the Commercial Aircraft Composite Technology lecture, offered every winter semester. Students gain exclusive insights into real-world applications of composite materials in aerospace engineering.

Interested in joining next year? Enroll in the course for Winter Semester 2025/26 and experience the future of aerospace composites firsthand!

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