Quandela and Safran Tech, the research and technology center of the Safran group, have launched the AQeFLU research project to develop quantum algorithms for modeling complex fluid flows. Supported by the PAQ Quantique program and funded by the Île-de-France Region, the partnership addresses the computational bottlenecks in aerodynamic simulation. By integrating quantum approaches into the design phase, the project aims to increase the precision of numerical modeling for airflow around aerodynamic profiles, potentially reducing the industry’s reliance on costly physical wind tunnel testing and large-scale classical numerical calculations.
The collaboration utilizes Quandela’s photonic quantum technology, which employs light-based qubits that operate at room temperature and integrate into existing data center infrastructures. These photonic systems will be paired with Safran Tech’s expertise in fluid mechanics to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) critical to propulsion and combustion systems. The research roadmap begins with the validation of quantum algorithms on standardized academic benchmarks before transitioning to industrial applications, specifically targeting the optimization of engine performance and the reduction of fuel consumption in future aircraft.
For Safran, the AQeFLU project is a strategic component of its digital platform roadmap, aiming to accelerate development cycles for aerospace and defense technologies. By leveraging Quandela’s full-stack software expertise, the joint team seeks to enable the simulation of a higher number of engine configurations during the design phase than is currently feasible with classical high-performance computing (HPC) alone. This effort reflects a broader trend among European manufacturers to integrate quantum-accelerated workflows into the R&D of energy-efficient and sustainable aviation technologies.
You can find the official announcement regarding the AQeFLU project here.
May 7, 2026
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