Airbus appoints RTX businesses to support helicopter demonstrator
RTX businesses, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada have been selected by Airbus Helicopters to support the development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator.
Airbus’ twin-engine technology demonstrator based on the H145 helicopter is focused on testing technologies that reduce helicopter emissions, increase autonomy and integrate bio-based materials. It aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion alongside aerodynamic improvements to enable up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to a conventionally powered aircraft.
For the PioneerLab demo, the helicopter’s existing engines will be replaced by a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprised of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative linked with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. Test flights of the hybrid-electric propulsion system are due to take place in 2027 at Airbus’ main helicopter production site in Donauwörth, Germany.
“The combined 250 kW motor and controller we’re designing for PioneerLab are part of our family of electric motors and controllers that can be scaled up or down to meet the future electrification needs of aircraft across multiple segments,” said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. The 250kW motor and controller will be developed at Collins’ Electronic Controls and Motor Systems facility in Solihull in the UK.
Pratt & Whitney’s president, Maria Della Posta underlined how the PW210 engine is “very well-suited” to the hybrid-electric helicopter propulsion system. “To help achieve the goals of this innovative project, we’ll draw on expertise from our growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programmes, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and SWITCH,” she said.
