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
4FRONT Solutions Invests in Seica’s PILOT V8 NEXT Flying Probe Tester to Enhance Test Capabilities at DeLand, FL Facility
05/16/2025 | Seica, Inc.Seica, Inc. is pleased to announce that 4FRONT Solutions has purchased and installed a PILOT V8 NEXT Flying Probe Tester at its electronics manufacturing facility in DeLand, Florida.
The Test Connection Inc. Appoints USM Reps as Exclusive Sales Representative in Mexico
05/13/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of USM Reps as its exclusive sales representative in Mexico.
Top 10 OSAT Companies of 2024 Revealed—China Players See Double-Digit Growth, Reshaping the Global Market Landscape
05/13/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest report on the semiconductor packaging and testing (OSAT) sector reveals that the global OSAT industry in 2024 faced dual challenges from accelerating technological advancements and ongoing industry consolidation.
Innovative Technology Advancements in Test: HATS² Technology and Its Impact on Reliability Testing
05/14/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Ensuring the reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has become increasingly difficult and critical, yet the development of advanced testing methodologies is essential to meeting industry demands and addressing persistent challenges. One significant innovation is the High Acceleration Thermal Shock (HATS²) test system, which transforms how reliability testing is conducted. After 40 years in the testing business at Microtek, Bob Neves is beginning a new journey with his company, Reliability Assessment Solutions Inc. (RAS).
Discover TRI Test Solutions at New-Tech 2025
05/08/2025 | TRIBynet Testing Systems, TRI's industry partner, will join New-Tech 2025 at EXPO Tel-Aviv, Pavilion 1 from May 20 – 21, 2025.