Displaying cutting-edge solutions at the inaugural European Rotors event: Airbus Helicopters' product and service offerings on show.
Airbus Helicopters Showcases Sustainable Aerospace Initiatives at European Rotors
At the 2021 European Rotors rotorcraft exhibition in Cologne, Airbus Helicopters demonstrated its commitment to sustainable aerospace practices. The company highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting material circularity, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and reducing waste across the aerospace value chain.
One of the key highlights is Airbus's drive to increase the circularity of critical materials such as titanium and aluminium, which are extensively used in helicopter production. By reusing and recycling these materials more efficiently, the company aims to lower its environmental impact.
Airbus is pursuing a long-term vision of a closed-loop circular economy for aerospace materials. This vision involves designing helicopters and related components that facilitate greater recycling and reuse without compromising safety and performance. This entails intelligent material design, advanced recycling technologies, and resource optimization to lower emissions and enhance operational efficiency.
In addition to these material-focused initiatives, Airbus Helicopters is enhancing sustainable logistics and maintenance programs in partnership with firms like Kuehne+Nagel. This broader strategy for sustainability encompasses not just manufacturing but also supply chain and fleet management services, including helicopter maintenance.
While not specific to European Rotors, Airbus's sustainable aerospace initiatives also include advancing hydrogen fuel cell technologies and hybrid-electric propulsion concepts. These innovations align with aviation's future sustainability goals and might be part of Airbus's innovation showcase themes at future exhibitions.
At the exhibition, attendees had the opportunity to learn about Airbus Helicopters' initiatives in sustainable aerospace, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel, hybridisation, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) with electric vehicles. UAM is part of Airbus's roadmap towards zero emission air travel.
In terms of product showcases, Airbus will display key upgrades for its H145 family helicopters, including the H125 power upgrade, the H125/H130 fuel system upgrade (the Crash Resistant Fuel System), and the latest upgrade that adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg and easing maintenance operations.
A five-bladed H145 for medical evacuation operated by German air rescue service ADAC Luftrettung will be showcased at the exhibition. Additionally, a scale model of the CityAirbus NextGen, Airbus's fully electric helicopter designed for operations in major cities, will be displayed for the first time.
Airbus Corporate Helicopters will have an ACH125 on static display, and the latest developments in helicopter training will also be showcased at the event. The exhibition provides an opportunity for Airbus to reconnect with customers, partners, suppliers, and industry players, fostering collaboration and innovation in the rotorcraft industry.
References: [1] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). Airbus Helicopters showcases its commitment to sustainable aerospace at European Rotors. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/11/airbus-helicopters-showcases-its-commitment-to-sustainable-aerospace-at-european-rotors.html
[2] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). European Rotors 2021: Airbus Helicopters to showcase its latest innovations and sustainability initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/11/european-rotors-2021-airbus-helicopters-to-showcase-its-latest-innovations-and-sustainability-initiatives.html
[3] Airbus Helicopters. (2021). Airbus Helicopters and Kuehne+Nagel collaborate to enhance sustainable logistics and maintenance programs. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/10/airbus-helicopters-and-kuehne-nagel-collaborate-to-enhance-sustainable-logistics-and-maintenance-programs.html
[4] Airbus. (2021). Airbus unveils its vision for sustainable aviation: Hydrogen, electric aircraft, and more. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/research-and-technology/hydrogen-aircraft.html
- Airbus Helicopters is investigating the use of renewable energy sources in the form of hydrogen fuel cell technologies and hybrid-electric propulsion concepts, aligning with aviation's future sustainability goals.
- In the finance sector, Airbus Helicopters is partnering with logistics firms like Kuehne+Nagel to enhance sustainable logistics and maintenance programs, extending their commitment to sustainability beyond manufacturing.
- The renewable-energy industry is not ignored by Airbus Helicopters as they are working on innovations that could lead to the growth of electric vehicles and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), contributing to zero emission air travel in our lifestyles.
- To reduce waste and lower emissions, Airbus Helicopters aims to increase the circularity of critical materials such as titanium and aluminum, implementing advanced recycling technologies and resource optimization.
- Beyond aerospace, Airbus's long-term vision includes the promotion of renewable energy as they collaborate with others in the transportation sector to develop electric vehicles, reflecting their comprehensive approach to sustainable practices.
