Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines this week signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to co-operate on technology to reduce carbon emissions and noise on future vertical take-off aircraft.
The LOI was signed at the Paris Air Show ahead of the Horizon Europe research program that is scheduled to begin when the current Horizon 2020 program expires.
Airbus and Safran will investigate several new technologies including electric power, higher-efficiency turbines, alternative fuels and advanced engine designs.
“We are on the verge of a green revolution in our industry, and as the world’s largest civil helicopter manufacturer I believe it is our responsibility to advance technologies and solutions that will continue to make vertical flight the best choice to connect cities and carry passengers safely in urban environments,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.
“This future cooperation with Safran Helicopter Engines will ensure that we are in the best position to leverage and mature new propulsion methods that will support the development of cleaner and quieter helicopter platforms. The Horizon Europe programme is the ideal solution to pull skills and know-how from across Europe, and I strongly believe in its ability to drive longlasting change in our industry.”
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo said the partnership was on track to develop the helicopter engines of the future.
"This future cooperation with Airbus in the frame of the Horizon Europe programme is a great opportunity to prepare propulsion systems for future helicopters," he said. "Today, Safran is the most capable provider of integrated and efficient propulsive systems, with the widest gas turbine power range and a complete range of electric systems for hybrid electric propulsive solutions, in addition to strong testing, qualification and certification expertise.
"We are very pleased to partner with Airbus Helicopters in this journey for a lower environmental footprint of air transport.”
Horizon Europe is a seven-year, 94 billion euro European Commission scientific research program due to commence in 2021.