American Made Advocacy: Where’s the Budget for a Modern Military Run on Microelectronics?
Defense Speak Interpreted: JADC2—Why It’s More Relevant Than Ever in Drone Warfare
Beyond the Board: Orbital High Ground—Why Space Superiority Is Slipping Away
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
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.
MoU to Revolutionize Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Device Testing with AI-Driven Solutions
08/07/2025 | PRNewswireLightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices.
InTest Receives $2.6 Million Defense Industry Order
08/06/2025 | BUSINESS WIREInTest Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include semiconductor (semi), automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and safety/security, announced that it was awarded a $2.6 million order by a prime defense contractor.
Circuit Check Acquires Solution Sources Programming (SSP) to Become a Full-Service Test and Programming Provider with Expanded Presence in Silicon Valley
08/05/2025 | PR NewswireCircuit Check, a global leader in turnkey functional test systems across medical, automotive, industrial, military/aerospace, and emerging AI applications, today announced the acquisition of Solution Sources Programming (SSP), a trusted Silicon Valley provider of integrated test and programming solutions for over 35 years.
Register Now for the HATS²™ Technical Day at GEN3 HQ
08/05/2025 | GEN3GEN3 a world-leading manufacturer of testing, measurement and production solutions for electronics reliability. Headquartered in Farnborough, UK, GEN3 is announcing the final call for registrations to attend the exclusive HATS²™ Technical Day — a hands-on, live demonstration event showcasing the Highly Accelerated Thermal Shock Tester (HATS²™), the groundbreaking innovation from industry pioneer Bob Neves.