Airbus Helicopters selected Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace to collaborate on a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator. The OEM is developing PioneerLab based on an H145 medium-twin helicopter to demonstrate the potential fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions savings that hybrid-electric propulsion could bring.

Under the program, the partners are replacing the H145’s existing engines with a hybrid propulsion system comprising a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine and two Collins 250-kW electric motors and controllers that are linked through a common gearbox.

According to the companies, this configuration will optimize engine performance with the electric motors providing high torque capability during flight stages such as takeoff and landing. The partners anticipate that the changes could improve fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. Test flights are slated to begin in 2027 at Airbus Helicopters' Donauwörth, Germany facility.

"The combined 250-kW motor and controller we're designing for PioneerLab are part of our family of electric motors and controllers that can be scaled up or down to meet the future electrification needs of aircraft across multiple segments," said Henry Brooks, president of power and controls at Collins Aerospace. "By serving as part of hybrid-electric propulsion architectures or helping to electrify onboard systems, these motors and controllers will support the aviation industry's commitment to reduce carbon emissions from future platforms."

Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada, added that the companies will draw on the expertise from their growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech, and SWITCH.

Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions is supporting PioneerLab through its aerospace research program LuFo.