Airbus flies fully automated helicopter with a tablet

Airbus has successfully tested a new human machine interface (HMI) along with 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 flew fully automated from lift-off, taxi, take-off, cruise, approach and then landing during a one hour test flight by following a predefined route.

During this flight, the pilot monitored the system which can detect unforeseen obstacles and automatically recalculate a safe flight path. If necessary, the pilot can override the controls through the tablet and resume the mission afterwards.

Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, said: “This successful demonstration of a fully autonomous flight from take-off to landing is a great 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 light detection and ranging on board.”

The flight test period ran from the 27 October–22 November at the Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, France.