American Made Advocacy: Restore the Domestic PCB Industry to Support National Drone Initiatives
Defense Speak Interpreted: The New Railgun Is Big News, But Can It Work?
The Government Circuit: USMCA Review—A Crucial Opportunity to Fortify North American Electronics
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:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
TRI, Smartlink-SMT Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance SMT Solutions in Germany
03/09/2026 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the SMT industry, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Smartlink-SMT GmbH, a premier provider of SMT production solutions based in Nuremberg.
The Test Connection Adds Creative Electron Prime TruVision™ X-ray and CT System for Deeper Failure Analysis
03/05/2026 | TTCIThe Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, has added the Prime TruVision™ X-ray and computed tomography (CT) inspection system from Creative Electron to its engineering and analysis services.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
03/06/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007This week, I’m highlighting a book, a podcast, a magazine, winners of the APEX EXPO Technical Conference, and a narrative-style column. Not only do these published pieces vary in style, but they also examine the electronics industry from a variety of perspectives. From test to materials, trade show storytelling, and thought leadership, I-Connect007 has the industry covered.
Rethinking Test Strategy: New Book Tackles DFT for Today’s Complex Electronics
03/06/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 proudly announces the release of The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to… Design for Test: A Practical Guide to Test and Inspection. This comprehensive guide explores smarter access strategies for today’s high-density designs, including boundary scan, built-in self-test (BIST), flying probe, in-circuit test (ICT), and functional testing. Central to the book is the PCOLA-SOQ framework, a structured, measurable method for evaluating inspection and test coverage at both the component and pin levels.
Curtiss-Wright Partners With Averna to Elevate Aerospace Testing Capabilities
03/03/2026 | Curtiss-Wright CorporationAverna, a global leader in test and quality solutions, announced that it has partnered with Curtiss-Wright, to develop five custom aerospace test systems.