Photo: Airbus Helicopters
Future eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing) are praised primarily for their ability to lower emission levels, but they can also spearhead revolutionary aircraft design and flight technology. Airbus is currently testing a new type of flight control system that could become the foundation for a user-friendly way to pilot future electric air taxis.
At the beginning of this year, Airbus announced that a company called Crouzet will be developing a dedicated human-machine interface (HMI) concept for its eVTOL, the CityAirbus NextGen. One of the main advantages described at the time was allowing pilots to transition seamlessly from fully automated flight to manual control.
In preparation for the new HMI, Airbus Helicopters is now testing an electric flight control system. This is a fresh approach that ditches the conventional pilot controls used for helicopters (cyclic, pedals, collective) in favor of a single piloting stick. This one stick will basically replace all the three standard controls and, according to Airbus, will be able to manage all aircraft axes.
Using a single stick can offer pilots multiple advantages. The most obvious one is that it takes less space and improves visibility. From an operational standpoint, it will also make all maneuvers easier for the pilot, from takeoff and landing to climb, acceleration, and turns.
These initial tests were carried out with the help of FlightLab, one of the three flying laboratories developed by Airbus Helicopters based on conventional helicopter platforms. The most recent one is PioneerLab, based on the H145, which was officially presented at the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg last month.
These technology demonstrators are used exclusively for testing new features and systems. For instance, the PioneerLab is exclusively dedicated to improving twin-engine helicopters. Testing campaigns onboard FlightLab started at the beginning of 2021, with a focus on disruptive technologies designed for eVTOLs.
Following this initial success, Airbus Helicopters is gearing up for further testing of its single joystick system.
The CityAirbus NextGen is taking a long time to develop compared to the air taxis being developed by startups, but expectations are also much higher. The Airbus can't and won't be a simple air taxi, but a true pioneer in this field.
This is where the innovative pilot controls and HMI come in, along with other state-of-the-art features. To top things off, the Airbus eVTOL will be powered by a California-made electric motor from MAGicALL. A custom version of the MAGiDRIVE, known as a new-generation, lightweight brushless motor, will ensure maximum durability and high torque (up to 50 Nm/kg).
Airbus presented the first full-scale prototype of the CityAirbus NextGen precisely two years ago, and it’s currently on track for the first official flight tests, which will be carried out in Ingolstadt, Germany.
In preparation for the new HMI, Airbus Helicopters is now testing an electric flight control system. This is a fresh approach that ditches the conventional pilot controls used for helicopters (cyclic, pedals, collective) in favor of a single piloting stick. This one stick will basically replace all the three standard controls and, according to Airbus, will be able to manage all aircraft axes.
Using a single stick can offer pilots multiple advantages. The most obvious one is that it takes less space and improves visibility. From an operational standpoint, it will also make all maneuvers easier for the pilot, from takeoff and landing to climb, acceleration, and turns.
These initial tests were carried out with the help of FlightLab, one of the three flying laboratories developed by Airbus Helicopters based on conventional helicopter platforms. The most recent one is PioneerLab, based on the H145, which was officially presented at the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg last month.
These technology demonstrators are used exclusively for testing new features and systems. For instance, the PioneerLab is exclusively dedicated to improving twin-engine helicopters. Testing campaigns onboard FlightLab started at the beginning of 2021, with a focus on disruptive technologies designed for eVTOLs.
Following this initial success, Airbus Helicopters is gearing up for further testing of its single joystick system.
The CityAirbus NextGen is taking a long time to develop compared to the air taxis being developed by startups, but expectations are also much higher. The Airbus can't and won't be a simple air taxi, but a true pioneer in this field.
This is where the innovative pilot controls and HMI come in, along with other state-of-the-art features. To top things off, the Airbus eVTOL will be powered by a California-made electric motor from MAGicALL. A custom version of the MAGiDRIVE, known as a new-generation, lightweight brushless motor, will ensure maximum durability and high torque (up to 50 Nm/kg).
Airbus presented the first full-scale prototype of the CityAirbus NextGen precisely two years ago, and it’s currently on track for the first official flight tests, which will be carried out in Ingolstadt, Germany.
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