PioneerLab due to make hybrid electric flight in 2027
March 10, 2025
The PioneerLab (H145 D-HADS) was unveiled in September 2023 and was specifically designed to develop and test technologies for twin-engined helicopters, following the company’s H130-based Flightlab (F-WWXD) which focused on the testing of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies, autonomy, and technologies aimed at reducing helicopter sound levels, improving maintenance and flight safety. The new testbed also follows the DisruptiveLab (F-WADL) which was focused on improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental footprint.
Airbus Helicopters unveiled the PioneerLab during the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg, saying that the aircraft will complement Airbus’ existing range of FlightLabs and will focus on testing technologies that reduce helicopter emissions, increase autonomy and integrate bio-based materials, and especially to test technologies specifically dedicated to twin-engine helicopters.”
The Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLabs provide agile and efficient test beds designed to quickly test technologies, forming part of the company’s strategy to bring incremental innovation to improve current products and to mature technology for future platforms.
The PioneerLab is the first AirbusHelicopters flying laboratory to be based in Donauwörth, Airbus Helicopters’ German site, and the home of the company’s light twin-engine helicopter effort, hosting production of the H135 and H145. The German government is supporting the PioneerLab’s research, with projects partly co-funded by the country’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, via the LuFo national research programme.
The PioneerLab’s flight campaign began with testing of a rotor strike alerting system, with the next phase being the testing of an automated take-off and landing system. Further research activities have included the integration of digital technologies and associated sensors into the aircraft’s flight control system to increase autonomy and safety during critical phases of flight.
The PioneerLab demonstrator will incorporate aerodynamic improvements (which are expected to account for about 10% of the total efficiency gains). Airbus will also flight-test structural components made from bio-based and recycled materials, with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint across the entire aircraft life cycle. The company will produce the new parts using processes that reduce material and energy consumption while also improving recyclability. A preliminary design review is due to be completed by the end of 2025, and the new drag-reducing modifications are expected to be flown during 2026. Some modifications could be incorporated into furture H145 production aircraft.
Hybridisation is a particular focus for the PioneerLab. The company is replacing the H145’s existing Safran Arriel 2E turboshafts with a hybrid-electric system, combining a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engine with a pair of Collins Aerospace 250-kW electric motors and controllers. It is hoped that the e-motor will take over during ‘spikes’ and inefficient areas of flight, which will lead to a reduction in emissions, and a 30% reduction in fuel consumption. The new powerplant is not just a backup, but is rather a full hybrid twin-engine installation.
It is estimated that installation of the hybrid powertrain will take up to a year.
Airbus is aware of the limited capacities currently offered by today’s lithium-ion batteries, and that a new FADEC will need to be developed. One vital element in the programme will be assessing and analysing which phases of flight will be best suited to integrated electric power.
