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.
Suggested Items
CIMS to Exhibit at JPCA Show 2025
05/28/2025 | CIMSCIMS is excited to announce our participation at JPCA 2025 in Tokyo, Japan! Join us from June 4-6.
Rohde & Schwarz Satellite Industry Day 2025: Connecting the World with New Space and 5G NTN Technologies
05/27/2025 | Rohde & SchwarzAfter four successful online events with over 1000 participants, Rohde & Schwarz is hosting its fifth Satellite Industry Day on June 3, 2025, on-site at its Munich campus. Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement experts and partners from the industry will present topics from 5G Non-Terresterial Network (NTN) and satellite testing to monitoring and regulatory issues. During breaks participants can experience cutting-edge test and measurement solutions.
Vertical Aerospace Makes Aviation History with Piloted eVTOL Flight in Open Airspace
05/27/2025 | BUSINESS WIREVertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, announced it has made European aviation history with the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in open airspace.
TRI, Bosch Partner on AI Solution for MEMS Packaging
05/26/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc., the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, is proud to announce its successful partnership with Bosch in the development of an AI visual check solution for MEMS packaging.
QinetiQ’s LTPA Extension Worth £1.54B to Modernize Test & Evaluation for Future Warfare
05/26/2025 | QinetiQQinetiQ Group plcannounces a five-year, £1.54 billion extension to its Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) that will transform the provision of mission critical test and evaluation capabilities and services that help to enhance operational readiness of the UK and allied nations.