Thales invests approx. 18 percent of its revenues in research and development annually. This ensures our innovative power and helps our customers stay one step ahead of technology.
In Germany as well, research and development are top priorities for Thales. Ultimately, our investment in basic research and technology studies form the basis of our technological innovations – and are thus the cornerstone of our success. Thales always adheres to a policy of partnership and cooperation with local industrial and scientific institutes and research facilities. This is how we succeeded in initiating and helping develop a series of essential research programmes and developing a number of outstanding products, which are held in high esteem in their respective markets.
Thales highlight: Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 has long been an established model within the Airbus family. Thales plays an especially important role as a development partner in the construction of the A380. Thales has developed 15 systems that are a part of the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Our Airbus simulators are used by countless companies for training air and ground crew members.
Thales highlight: LORADS III
In spring of 2008, Thales was awarded the contract for the supply of a next-generation air traffic control system by the aviation authority of Singapore. LORADS III will ensure unprecedented levels of safety and "greener" approaches to environmental protection through shorter routing and flight level optimisation – all resulting in lower operating costs.
Thales highlight: Galileo
Galileo’s objective is to provide Europe with its own, independent satellite navigation system. Galileo will give users in transport, security and telecommunications higher quality of service than GPS has been able to offer thus far. Thales was responsible for designing the entire Galileo system and the individual satellites. We are the prime contractor for all of the ground and security segments and are responsible for the project overall.
Thales highlight: ETCS
The European Train Control System (ETCS) is based on the digital wireless GSM-R standard, a railway variant of GSM. ETCS improves punctuality, safety and interoperability of trains run by different operators and increases rail traffic capacity and the security of the entire railway network.
Thales highlight: HEMP
Thales is developing a leading-edge thrust system for satellites in collaboration with the DLR (German Aerospace Centre). With HEMP (High Efficiency Multistage Plasma) ion thrusting, neutral atoms from the inert gas Xenon are ionised in a plasma discharge and are then electrically accelerated. The magnetic confinement of the plasma makes acceleration so efficient that thermal loss is minimised, thereby optimising efficiency.