Raphael Thys
Airbus has unveiled a new helicopter, called DisruptiveLab, which uses key technologies needed to reduce the carbon emissions emitted by helicopters.
The Disruptivelab helicopter contains an aerodynamic aluminum and composite fuselage, which will help to reduce drag and fuel consumption, and also has a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling the battery to be recharged in-flight. Its blades are also integrated into the rotor in a way that reduces drag, improves energy efficiency and lowers noise levels.
The unveiling, which took place at the company’s annual Airbus Summit 2022 on November 30, will see Airbus aim to perform a first test flight before the end of 2022.
“The DisruptiveLab goes another step further in Airbus Helicopters’ ambitious strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its helicopters and to lead the way towards a sustainable aerospace industry,” said Bruno Even, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters. “The innovative architecture and the fully parallel hybrid propulsion system could only really be tested on a brand new demonstrator in order to verify the combined impact in CO2 reduction which could be as much as 50 percent,” he added.