Flightlab shaping the future


Flightlab shaping the future


of helicopter technology Starting in April 2020, the Flightlab within Airbus Helicopters began shaping the future. It provides insights through training and testing on:


• •


• • • Situational awareness


Noise and fuel consumption reduction


Rotor strike alerting system (RSAS), which alerts crews to collision risks


Optronics system with fly-by-wire autopilot and heads-up display


Health and use monitoring system (HUMS)


The H130 is the choice rotorcraft for the Flightlab because of the wide cabin, quiet operations, and payload capabilities. It will also be the platform to test the Vertex project.


Grazia Vittadini, former chief technology officer at Airbus said, “We are excited by the potential that the Vertex demonstrator


64 Mar/Apr 2022


project has to offer. By using our platform- agnostic flying laboratory to mature these technologies, we have an agile and efficient test bed that will support the development of future autonomous systems that could later equip Airbus’ current helicopter range and eVTOL platforms.” Included on the aircraft is an engine backup system (EBS) that provides electrical power to the main gearbox in case of engine failure.


The Flightlab is also testing:


• Autonomous missions, obstacle avoidance


• Vision-based sensors •


High-performance capabilities


• • computing


• Advanced image processing technology


Automatic approaches to land anywhere


Physically, the helicopter’s exterior houses what looks like an inverted lightbulb on the bottom of the aircraft. Imagery and control for the mission is provided through an iPad and managed by a crew member on the aircraft along with two other pilots.


Airbus is hopeful that the testing will reveal better:


• Rotor speed management • •


Blade design Noise reduction


Airbus Helicopters’ Flightlab is a comprehensive aircraft with ambitious goals to change future rotorcraft for the better.


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