Airbus flies a fully automated helicopter with a tablet
Test pilot monitored the light detection and ranging system
Airbus has successfully tested a new simplified human-machine interface (HMI) and advanced autonomous features through a project code-named Vertex.
These technologies, developed by Airbus UpNext, are controlled by a touchscreen tablet and aim to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot workload, and further increase safety.
The Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab helicopter flew fully automated from lift-off, taxi, takeoff, cruise, approach, and landing during a one-hour test flight by following a predefined route.
During the flight, the pilot monitored the light detection and ranging system, which can detect unforeseen obstacles and automatically recalculate a safe flight path. Whenever necessary, the pilot can easily override the controls through the tablet and resume the mission afterwards.
The flight test period ran from October 27 to November 22, 2023, at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, France. Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, said: “This successful demonstration of a fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing is an excellent step towards the reduced pilot workload and simplified HMI that the Airbus Urban Air Mobility team intends to implement on CityAirbus NextGen.
“It could also have immediate applications for helicopters in low-level flights close to obstacles thanks to the information provided by the lidars* on board.”
Airbus Helicopters will continue to mature the different technologies that comprise Vertex: 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.
Featured image: The flight test period ran from October 27 to November 22, 2023. Image: Airbus
