Airbus introduces PioneerLab, its innovative twin-engine aerial research facility
The flight campaign for Airbus Helicopters' PioneerLab, a twin-engine technology demonstrator based on the H145 platform, has commenced at the company's Donauwörth site in Germany.
As part of the flight tests, Airbus will be flight-testing structural components made from bio-based and recycled materials aboard the PioneerLab. This initiative reflects Airbus's commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its helicopter systems and promoting sustainable materials.
During the flight campaign, the PioneerLab will also be testing the integration of the latest digital technologies into the aircraft's flight control system. This includes advanced flight control systems and sensor integration to enhance pilot assistance and potentially enable more autonomous operations.
One of the first technologies tested on PioneerLab during the flight campaign is a rotor strike alerting system. This system aims to improve safety during critical flight phases such as take-off and landing.
The PioneerLab project is partially co-funded by the BMWK, the Federal German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The project's goal is to demonstrate a fuel reduction of up to 30% compared to a conventional H145, due to a hybrid electric propulsion system and aerodynamic improvements.
In addition to the flight tests, the PioneerLab is also a testbed for increased autonomy during flight. Airbus Helicopters' FlightLabs provide agile and efficient test beds to quickly test technologies, enabling the company to stay at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation.
The company intends to produce the new parts using processes that reduce material and energy consumption and improve recyclability. This approach aligns with industry trends toward sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
The PioneerLab project is a significant step forward in Airbus Helicopters' mission to develop and test innovations aimed at reducing helicopter emissions, increasing flight autonomy, and integrating bio-based materials. However, detailed up-to-date technical specifics on the demonstrator’s exact achievements or timelines have not been fully disclosed in accessible sources.
Sources: [1] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). PioneerLab: Airbus Helicopters' new twin-engine technology demonstrator. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/03/pioneerlab-airbus-helicopters-new-twin-engine-technology-demonstrator.html [2] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). PioneerLab: Advancing sustainable rotorcraft technologies. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/technology/pioneerlab-advancing-sustainable-rotorcraft-technologies.html [3] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). PioneerLab: Testing the future of flight. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/technology/pioneerlab-testing-the-future-of-flight.html
In the PioneerLab project, Airbus Helicopters is integrating digital technologies from various industries such as aerospace and technology to advance the aircraft's flight control system, aligning with their goal of staying at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation. The project's funding partially comes from the Federal German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, with a focus on finance and sustainability, as the initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint of their helicopter systems.
