Airbus Helicopters’ PioneerLab: Elevating Autonomy and Sustainability in Aviation

Airbus Helicopters’ PioneerLab: Elevating Autonomy and Sustainability in Aviation

(IN BRIEF) Airbus Helicopters has unveiled PioneerLab, a new technology demonstrator based on the H145 platform, at the German National Aviation Conference. PioneerLab focuses on reducing helicopter emissions, increasing autonomy, and integrating bio-based materials. It aims to achieve a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a conventional H145, thanks to a hybrid electric propulsion system and aerodynamic improvements. Airbus will also test structural components made from bio-based and recycled materials to reduce the aircraft’s environmental footprint. Additionally, the project will integrate digital technologies to enhance autonomy and safety during critical flight phases. PioneerLab is partially funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The flight campaign has begun, starting with rotor strike alerting system tests, followed by automated take-off and landing system trials.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 25-Sep-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus (EPA: AIR), a European multinational aerospace corporation, announces that Airbus Helicopters, a prominent player in the aviation industry, introduced its latest innovation, the PioneerLab, at the German National Aviation Conference held in Hamburg. This new technology demonstrator, built on the foundation of the H145 platform, enriches Airbus’ portfolio of FlightLabs and is dedicated to testing groundbreaking technologies aimed at reducing helicopter emissions, enhancing autonomy, and integrating eco-friendly materials.

“With PioneerLab, we continue our ambitious strategy to test and mature new technologies on board our helicopter demonstrators,” said Tomasz Krysinski, Head of Research and Innovation Programmes at Airbus Helicopters. “PioneerLab, which is based in Germany at our Donauwörth site, will be our platform to test technologies specifically dedicated to twin-engine helicopters.”

The primary objective of the PioneerLab is to showcase a substantial reduction in fuel consumption, targeting up to 30% compared to a conventional H145. This remarkable achievement is made possible through the implementation of a hybrid electric propulsion system and advancements in aerodynamics. Additionally, Airbus Helicopters will conduct flight tests with structural components crafted from bio-based and recycled materials. These innovations are designed to reduce the environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of the aircraft. Airbus plans to produce these parts using processes that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and recyclability.

Further research initiatives within the PioneerLab encompass the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies into the aircraft’s flight control system and associated sensors. This integration will bolster autonomy and safety during critical flight phases, such as take-off and landing.

PioneerLab is a joint effort, partially funded by the BMWK, the Federal German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, through its national research program LuFo. Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLabs serve as agile and efficient testing platforms for the rapid assessment of pioneering technologies. These endeavors align with the company’s strategic commitment to incremental innovation, aimed at enhancing existing products and advancing technology for future aircraft.

The PioneerLab’s flight campaign has already commenced at Airbus Helicopters’ major German facility in Donauwörth, with the initial testing of a rotor strike alerting system. Subsequent phases will involve trials of an automated take-off and landing system.

Visit our website to learn more about Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art demonstrators, Flightlab and DisruptiveLab.

Media contacts:

Jörg Michel
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +49 151 26450997
joerg.michel@airbus.com

Laurence Petiard
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +33 6 18 79 75 69
laurence.petiard@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS