Sustainability and Environment
Airbus May Be Considering Hydrogen-powered Helicopter
Airbus's ZeroE project could be adapted to its helicopter business, executive says during Wichita Aero Club webinar.
Airbus Helicopters is expected to test a number of new concepts—including a hybrid-electric power system—on its high-speed Racer demonstrator, which is set to begin flight trials next year. One of those new concepts for helicopters could possibly be hydrogen power, Airbus Americas v-p of research and technology Amanda Simpson hinted at a Wichita Aero Club presentation on December 9, 2020. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
Airbus Helicopters is expected to test a number of new concepts—including a hybrid-electric power system—on its high-speed Racer demonstrator, which is set to begin flight trials next year. One of those new concepts for helicopters could possibly be hydrogen power, Airbus Americas v-p of research and technology Amanda Simpson hinted at a Wichita Aero Club presentation on December 9, 2020. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus is laying plans to develop hydrogen-powered helicopters. During a December 9 presentation to the Wichita Aero Club on the European aircraft maker’s zero-emissions commercial airliner program, Airbus Americas v-p of research and technology Amanda Simpson said its ZeroE project could be adapted to its rotorcraft. The group's Airbus Helicopters division now claims more than a 50 percent share of the civilian rotorcraft market.