Airbus to Test Advanced Autonomous Features on Helicopter Flightlab

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 autopilot; and an advanced human-machine interface (in the form of a touchscreen) and head-worn display for inflight monitoring and control.

Combining these technologies will enable a system to manage navigation and route preparation, automatic take-off & landing, and follow 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 important steppingstone towards autonomous flight.