Rotorcraft
P&WC: PioneerLab Hybrid Helo on Track, Demand Steady
Engine maker also leads European PHARES propulsion consortium
two Pratt & Whitney rotorcraft turbine engines
A rendering for the PHARES project, the regional turboprop that uses a PW127 hybrid-electric engine derivative with Collins 250kw electric powertrain and propellor © Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s hybrid-electric propulsion project onboard Airbus Helicopters'  PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator remains on track as the RTX business advances hybrid initiatives and expands globally to meet sustained demand for helicopter engines and MRO services.

The Airbus Helicopters H145 testbed platform will combine a single P&WC PW210S engine with a pair of Collins Aerospace 250-kilowatt electric motors and controllers targeting up to 30% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, according to AIN’s March 9, 2025 report. Airbus Helicopters announced the 2027 target date during a media briefing at its Donauwörth, Germany facility and said the project is on track to confirm a preliminary design this year.

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