VIVAERO

H145 “PioneerLab” to feature hybrid propulsion

Airbus Helicopters will equip the twin-engine technology demonstrator H145 “PioneerLab”, launched in September 2023, with a hybrid propulsion system.

The existing engines of the H145 will be replaced by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 turbine and two 250 kW (341 hp) Collins electric motors and controllers, which will be connected via a common gearbox. The goal is to make a first flight in 2027.

The helicopter complements the FlightLab H130 program and focuses on testing technologies that reduce helicopter emissions, increase range and integrate bio-based materials.

PioneerLab is partly co-funded by BMWK, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, through its national research program LuFo. Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLabs provide agile and efficient testbeds for rapidly testing technologies. They are part of the company’s strategy to bring innovation to the table to improve its current products and also to mature technology for future platforms.

The PioneerLab flight campaign has already begun at the manufacturer’s German facility in Donauwörth, with a rotor collision warning system being the first technology block tested on board the demonstrator. The next phase will be testing an automated take-off and landing system.