Airbus Helicopters’ Bluecopter reduces noise and fuel consumption
A helicopter that consumes up to 40 per cent less fuel and produces significantly less noise than conventional rotorcraft has been developed by Airbus.
The Bluecopter demonstrator has been equipped with an advanced rotor, improved airframe design and intelligent engine power management system, in a bid to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise.
The technology demonstrator paves the way for a new generation of quieter and more environmentally friendly helicopters, according to Marius Bebesel, program manager for research and innovation at Airbus Helicopters, who has overall responsibility for Bluecopter.
The helicopter produces approximately 10 decibels of effective perceived noise (EPNdB), which is below International Civil Aviation Organisation certification limits, and well below any other rotorcraft, said Bebesel.
“We compared Bluecopter with the world fleet, and we are the world champion, we are between 3-5 EPNdB [quieter] than conventional helicopters,” he said.
The helicopter includes an advanced Fenestron - a rotor fitted inside a protective duct within the tail – that reduces losses caused by drag induced by rotating air trailing from the tip of each blade. It is also much quieter than a conventional tail rotor design.
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Comment: Engineers must adapt to AI or fall behind
A fascinating piece and nice to see a broad discussion beyond GenAI and the hype bandwagon. AI (all flavours) like many things invented or used by...