At the Paris Air Show, Airbus is showcasing various glimpses of the future. These can be found in a special 1,000 square metre indoor marquee called the Paris Air Lab. The Air Lab is hosted by the French aerospace association GIFAS, which represents French, European and international aerospace bodies, both public and private.
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In the Prototypes zone, Airbus’ Wing of Tomorrow exhibit will include a two-metre folding wing model and a virtual reality experience to educate airshow audiences about how we are exploring novel wing design. We are using next-generation composite technologies that are strong and lightweight to optimise aerodynamic performance. The experience is intended to show how these wings will look and operate differently than those of today, and to spark conversations about the industrial delivery of these kinds of new concepts.
In this same area, you will even be able to ‘build your own aircraft’ on a smartphone app. This will enable you to design your own future Airbus aircraft, configuring parameters such as wings, propulsion, fuselage and even livery.
Visitors will also be able to learn about our eXtra Performance Wing demonstrator and watch a video of its first flight. The eXtra Performance Wing Demonstrator is a project led by Airbus UpNext that is focused on accelerating and validating technologies that will improve wing aerodynamics and performance, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. And regarding CO2-saving future engines, which could take the form of an open fan engine on our future aircraft, you’ll be able to learn all about how it works.
Airbus flight demonstrators on display
In this next section at the Paris Air Lab, Airbus has four scale model demonstrators on display: Bluecopter, RACER, the A380 open fan, and the EcoPulse aircraft.
The open fan engine represents a significant change in engine architecture, offering the potential for substantial fuel burn reduction compared to current engines. Airbus and engine partner CFM International are testing the RISE open fan demonstrator that you will see here.
Next up, the high speed helicopter that Airbus is currently flight testing, called RACER (Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft). It can fly at over 400km/h, roughly twice the speed of a conventional helicopter. This could be essential for missions where time is essential, like medical services or rescue operations. Thanks to its aerodynamic shape and optimised engines, the vehicle aims to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.
Staying with the helicopter theme, in the Air Lab you’ll be able to find out how Airbus’ Bluecopter demonstrator has played an important role in the development of Airbus’ new H140 helicopter. On Bluecopter, Airbus teams tested technologies to simplify helicopter architecture and improve performance. Key features of the H140, like the helicopter’s five-bladed rotor and T-shaped tail, are the direct result of the learnings uncovered with Bluecopter, showcasing the impact of research and technology to develop the latest generation of helicopters.
