A new Human Machine Interface (HMI) for CityAirbus NextGen, Airbus’ eVTOL prototype, the demonstrator FlightLab of Airbus Helicopters has tested an electric flight control system successfully.
The improved piloting aid offered by the electronic flight control system has allowed the pilot controls to be greatly reduced. One single piloting stick, which can handle all aircraft axes, substitutes the three traditional pilot controls (cycle, pedals, and collective), marking a first for the helicopter industry. Take-off and landing, ascent, descent, acceleration, deceleration, turning, and approach maneuvers can all be completed by the pilot using just one stick.
A new HMI that uses straightforward displays and a single stick that takes up less room while improving sight for the pilot provides a variety of information customized exclusively for eVTOLs. This accomplishment is a crucial first step in the development of a new generation of electric-powered urban air mobility aircraft.
Tomasz Krysinski, Head of Research & Innovation at Airbus Helicopters said, “From the start, we designed this system considering every certification parameter in mind as it will be a big step forward in validating the design of our urban air mobility eVTOL, CityAirbus NextGen. The advantage of an electric flight control system is enormous, especially when it comes to reducing pilot workload and ultimately enhancing mission safety. It is also a great example of how our demonstrators are used to mature the techno-bricks necessary to prepare the future of vertical flight.”
Following the success of the flight test campaign, Airbus Helicopters is working to complete the specifications of this new system before conducting additional tests as part of Vertex, a project run in collaboration with Airbus UpNext that will advance autonomy even further by handling navigation and streamlining mission preparation.
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In studying how electric propulsion may aid in the development of new categories of aerial vehicles, Airbus has been a pioneer. The business revealed CityAirbus NextGen, its completely electric eVTOL prototype, in September 2021. In addition to providing a new mobility service, Airbus is developing an advanced air mobility solution with eVTOLs as a crucial step in its objective to cut emissions in aviation across its product range.
