AgustaWestland is fully committed to investing in technologies and processes that reduce the impact on the environment in all phases of the life-cycle of its rotorcraft, from manufacturing and operation right up to its final disposal.
As part of this commitment AgustaWestland is not only playing a major role in the European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative program as co-leader, but is also investing its own money in programs that will deliver “greener” aircraft. Under the umbrella of the Clean Sky program AgustaWestland is undertaking work in a wide range of areas including efforts to reduce external noise signatures, reduce fuel consumption and investigations into “green” flight paths.
Overall company goals (consistent with Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe vision for 2020 targets) include a 50% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through drastic reductions in fuel consumption, an 80% reduction of nitrous oxides emissions and a 50% reduction in external noise.

The research is aimed at the next generation of vertical-lift aircraft that will enter service after 2015 as well as the possibility to retrofit the technology into the existing product range. AgustaWestland is taking a lead role in reducing external helicopter noise – one of the main areas of study within the “green” rotorcraft programme. The company is studying intelligent rotor blade solutions, including active blade control and other ideas to limit the acoustic impact generated by the blades. AgustaWestland will conduct ground testing of an active blade segment, complete downscaled wind tunnel model testing and will eventually fly with an optimised rotor.

The company is leading investigations into creating more environmentally friendly flight paths to improve ‘green’ performance. This will involve advanced noise abatement procedures for take-off and landing for the purpose of giving helicopter pilots information in real-time on their instrument displays so that they can select the most effective approach to fly. This would not only produce quieter operations but also potentially reduced fuel consumption.

The Green Rotorcraft program also includes research into increased and more efficient use of electrical systems onboard helicopters. AgustaWestland is working to make existing electrical systems more efficient and also how they can replace hydraulically powered systems on the aircraft. A company team is also investigating new technologies to generate and store energy. One possibility is the use of fuel cells to replace auxiliary power units on larger helicopters.