Airbus Helicopters is testing a flying laboratory

Flying Laboratory Flightlab is  testing platform that allows you to test new technologies for

helicopters of the existing Airbus model range. 

The company plans to continue testing hybridand electrical propulsion systems, study autonomous flight and other technologies to reduce the noise footprint of helicopters, as well as improve maintenance and improve flight safety.

Flightlab flight tests started in April 2020 - then the prototype was used to study the spread of helicopter noise in urban areas.

This year the company will test:

  • image recognition technology using cameras for low-altitude flights,
  • on-board monitoring and diagnostic system (Health and Usage Monitoring System, HUMS) for light helicopters,
  • engine backup system (Engine Back-up System) for electric traction in case of engine failure. 

If successful, Flightlab will continue to be used in 2022—events are already planned to evaluate a new flight control layout that could reduce pilot workload.

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