The Knowledge Base: My 2025 Industry Wish List
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Surprising World of Offshore B2B Industrial Values
Nolan’s Notes: Emerging Trends in 2025
Airbus Unveils PioneerLab as its New Twin-engine Flying Laboratory
September 26, 2023 | AirbusEstimated reading time: 1 minute
During the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg, Airbus Helicopters unveiled the PioneerLab, its new twin-engine technology demonstrator based on the H145 platform. It complements Airbus' range of FlightLabs and focuses on testing technologies that reduce helicopter emissions, increase autonomy and integrate bio-based 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 PioneerLab aims to demonstrate a fuel reduction of up to 30% compared to a conventional H145, thanks to a hybrid electric propulsion system and aerodynamic
improvements. Aboard the demonstrator, Airbus Helicopters will also flight-test structural components made from bio-based and recycled materials, which aim to reduce the
environmental footprint across the entire aircraft life cycle. The company intends to produce the new parts using processes that reduce material and energy consumption and improve recyclability. Further research activities will include the integration of the latest digital technologies into the aircraft's flight control system and associated sensors to increase autonomy and safety during critical flight phases such as take-off and landing.
PioneerLab is partially co-funded by the BMWK, the Federal German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions through its national research program LuFo. Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLabs provide agile and efficient test beds to quickly test technologies. They are part of the company's strategy to bring incremental innovation to improve its current products and as well as to mature technology for future platforms.
The PioneerLab’s flight campaign has already begun at the manufacturer's largest German site in Donauwörth, with a rotor strike alerting system being the first techno-brick tested on board the demonstrator. The next phase will be to test an automated take-off and landing system.
Share on:
Suggested Items
TRI to Join SMTA Austin Expo 2025
01/16/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce plans to exhibit at the SMTA Austin Expo 2025, scheduled to take place on February 6, 2025, at the Travis County Exposition Center.
Upcoming SMTA UHDI Symposium: Shortening the Learning Curve
01/15/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007SMTA’s second annual UHDI Symposium on Jan. 23 in Phoenix will highlight groundbreaking discussions on UHDI assembly test board, innovative electronic inks, process controls, and signal integrity solutions. Organizer Tara Dunn talks about the importance of the event and how she prepared presentations and discussions that would appeal to fabricators, assemblers, and designers. This event will shorten your learning curve and spark new ideas that push the boundaries of hardware electronics manufacturing. There’s still time to register.
Advantest Forms Strategic Partnerships with FormFactor and Technoprobe
01/09/2025 | AdvantestLeading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation announced that it has entered into small minority investments and partnership agreements with both Technoprobe SpA and FormFactor, Inc.
Revolutionizing PCB Testing: RoBAT's Journey from S1 to SCARA
01/07/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineFrom the early days of simple continuity testers to the advanced SCARA machines, RoBAT's evolution in time-domain reflectometer (TDR) and test technology is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry. In this discussion, RoBAT’s Bruce Nockton discusses the journey, challenges, and importance of automating testing solutions, and highlights how RoBAT has become a frontrunner in delivering high-precision testing equipment, setting new standards for the industry.
Biden-Harris Administration Awards SRC $285M for New CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute for Digital Twins
01/07/2025 | U.S. Department of CommerceThe U.S. Department of Commerce announced that CHIPS for America awarded the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) $285 million to establish and operate a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.