By Dominic Perry2021-01-21T21:12:00+00:00
Airbus Helicopters has unveiled a new flying testbed that will allow it to mature new technologies up to three times faster than through current methods.
Based on a standard production H130 light-single, the Flightlab platform (F-WWXD) has been in operation since last April, where its initial mission was to evaluate sound levels in built-up areas.
Source: Airbus Helicopters
Testbed is based on standard H130 light-single
That research was particularly directed at the future market for urban air mobility (UAM) operations, where low noise levels will be critical for their public acceptance.
However, the airframer intends to use the “platform agnostic” Flightlab to test technologies that could be applied across its helicopter range – or even for fixed-wing or military products from other Airbus divisions.
Airbus Helicopters has started in-flight tests on board its Flightlab, a platform-agnostic flying laboratory exclusively dedicated to maturing new technologies. Airbus Helicopters’ Flightlab provides an agile and efficient test bed to quickly test technologies that could later equip Airbus’ current helicopter range, and even more disruptive ones for future fixed-wing aircraft or (e)VTOL platforms.
Airbus Helicopters intends to pursue the testing of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies with its Flightlab demonstrator, as well as exploring autonomy, and other technologies aimed at reducing helicopter sound levels or improving maintenance and flight safety.
“Investing in the future remains essential, even in times of crisis, especially when those innovations bring added value to our customers by targeting increased safety, reduced pilot workload, and reduced sound levels,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “Having a dedicated platform to test these new techno
Press release content from Business Wire. The AP news staff was not involved in its creation.
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The Type-X by Milrem Robotics will become an intelligent wingman to main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles and will be capable of taking on the most dangerous tasks and positions, resulting in lower lethality risks. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Type-X by Milrem Robotics will become an intelligent wingman to main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles and will be capable of taking on the most dangerous tasks and positions, resulting in lower lethality risks. (Photo: Business Wire)