Recently EADS Astrium and NGup Rotor Blades signed an agreement regarding cooperation in the field of design, production and service of rotor blades for wind turbines. While the size of wind turbines increases rapidly, the length of rotor blades also increases. Nowadays rotor diameters of between 77 m and 110 m are common. As a result, problems occur due to high loads and design failures. Considering future offshore plans and even bigger rotor diameters, EADS Astrium will be an important player in the development of these rotor blades.

About EADS Astrium
Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives, in security and defence, protecting the environment, scientific and technical advances, telecommunications and a host of everyday services – and where there’s space, there’s Astrium. Number 1 in Europe and no. 3 worldwide, Astrium employs 12,000 men and women in five countries: France, Germany, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. 12,000 professionals chosen from among the very best, all passionate about space and driven by the great adventure of our time – bringing the infinite potential of space down to earth for the benefit of mankind. Guaranteeing Europe’s access to space as the established leader in space transportation, satellite systems and services, Astrium has for over 40 years been dedicated to bring you all the space you need - now and in the future. It is a mission which resonates with many of the most prestigious names in space – Ariane, the International Space Station, Envisat, Mars Express … It is a mission with a consistent commitment, to offer our customers the best possible solutions in the market, with unbeatable levels of, quality, cost-efficiency and schedule adherence.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The group includes aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through Airbus Military. Corresponding to the product range, the company is subdivided into four divisions: Airbus, Eurocopter, Astrium, Defence & Security.

EADS employs about 116,000 people at more than 70 production sites, above all in France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain as well as in the US and Australia. A global network of more than 30 Representative Offices maintains contact with the customers. In 2007, the company generated revenues of E 39.1 billion.

Astrium’s activities
Our technical excellence and extensive prime contractorship experience extend across all sectors of the space business – launch vehicles, manned space activities and satellite systems and related services.
Astrium boasts some of the most advanced design, manufacture and test facilities in the space industry. It has unrivalled expertise in the techniques and key technologies required for development and delivery of major space systems. The company’s highly skilled, motivated teams ensure that it offers its customers – civil or military, national, institutional or commercial – the very best, most efficient solutions for all their requirements, combining quality, cost-effectiveness, rapid delivery and constant innovation.

Astrium Space Transportation
The European prime contractor for civil and military space transportation and manned space activities. It designs, develops and produces Ariane launchers, the Columbus laboratory and the ATV cargo vessel for the International Space Station, atmospheric re-entry vehicles, ballistic missiles for France’s nuclear deterrent force, propulsion systems and space equipment.

Astrium Satellites
A world leader in the design and manufacture of satellite systems, with business activities covering civil and military telecommunications and Earth observation, science and navigation programmes, together with a complete range of associated ground infrastructure and space equipment.

Astrium Services
At the forefront of satellite service provision in secure communications and navigation. The European ‘one-stop-shop’ for tailored milsatcom solutions, delivering managed secure satellite services ranging from communications capacity to implementing equipment and related services to a number of countries. Astrium Services is also a major partner in the consortium selected to manage services to be provided by the new European global satellite navigation system, Galileo.