Computer aided design around the A300 Airbus

More than thirteen years after the launching of the first AIRBUS development a survey of CAD/CAM introduction and operation at AEROSPATIALE, Aircraft Division was conducted. The results of this survey are described. Initially, a short description of AEROSPATIALE Aircraft Division is given and the state of CAD/CAM expertise in the factory before the Airbus project is outlined. Next, the author describes the implementation of CAE in the structural, aerodynamic and electrical fields in response to the growing success of the various Airbus programs and in front of an everyday tougher competition. After a description of the present situation and a first estimate of CAE benefits, special attention is devoted to the difficulties encountered with both hardware and software used in the systems involved. To conclude the author defines the respective roles of the system buyer and vendor in the CAD/CAM field.