Airbus Moves Towards Hybrid Helicopters


The development of hybrid electric/ gasoline cars has resulted in increased fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Now Airbus Helicopters is working towards the creation of hybrid helicopters, by integrating an electric motor inside its Flightlab H130 helicopter testing laboratory.


In its current configuration, the electric motor is being used to provide extra power during autorotation landings. To make this happen, Flightlab Project Director Alexandre Gierczynski


explained, “The electric motor is connected into the helicopter’s main gearbox, using an intermediate reduction gearbox between the two to bring the electric motor’s 25,000 rpm speed down to the main engine’s 6,000 rpm. We also have rechargeable lithium batteries in the H130’s cargo hold, with an inverter to convert their direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) to power the electric motor and for controlling the amount of speed and torque delivered to the main motor.”


In the cockpit, a control panel gives the pilot the ability to engage or disengage the electric motor as needed, plus it


notifies the pilot that the system is working.


Due to the current weight and size of lithium


However, as


batteries, moving to a hybrid helicopter at the present time is impractical for helicopters’ payload capacities.


continue to become smaller and more efficient – as has already happened in hybrid cars – this will eventually cease to be a problem.


batteries


rotorcraftpro.com


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