Airbus to test advanced autonomous features on helicopter Flightlab
@Airbus @AirbusHeli #MakingMissionsPossible #autonomy
#AirbusUpNext
Marignane, 26 April 2021 – Airbus is introducing autonomous features to its
helicopter Flightlab through a project code-named Vertex. These technologies aim
to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot
workload, and further increase safety.
The
autonomous technology bricks set to integrate the Flightlab are: vision based
sensors and algorithms for situational awareness and obstacle detection;
fly-by-wire for enhanced auto-pilot; and an advanced human-machine-interface -
in the form of a touchscreen and head worn display for inflight monitoring and
control.
The combination of these technologies will
enable a system that can manage navigation and route preparation, automatic
take-off and landing, as well as following a predefined flight path. The
incremental integration of these technologies onto the helicopter Flightlab has
begun ahead of a complete demonstration in 2023. Airbus’ Urban Air Mobility will also benefit from this
technology as an essential stepping stone towards autonomous
flight.
“We are excited by the potential that the
Vertex demonstrator project has to offer,” said Grazia Vittadini, Chief
Technology Officer, Airbus. “By using our platform-agnostic flying laboratory to
mature these technologies, we have an agile and efficient test bed that will
support the development of future autonomous systems that could later equip
Airbus’ current helicopter range and (e)VTOL
platforms.”
Airbus’ mission is not to move ahead with
autonomy as a target in itself, but to explore autonomous technologies alongside
other technological innovations. In doing so, Airbus is able to analyse the
potential to enhance future operations, and at the same time, leverage these
opportunities to further improve aircraft safety.
Vertex is managed by Airbus UpNext, an Airbus
subsidiary created to give future technologies a development fast-track by
building demonstrators at speed and scale, evaluating, maturing and validating
new products and services that encompass radical technological
breakthroughs.
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