In the Netherlands, Airbus has developed a prototype helicopter nose panel using biobased fibers. The fibers were produced from acrylonitrile that was manufactured using ISCC-certified non-fossil feedstocks—such as wood and food waste, recycled cooking oils or algae—as well as renewable sources of ammonia and propylene.
In May, the PioneerLab nose panel was used on an Airbus Helicopters H145 test flight to demonstrate airworthiness. A nose panel was chosen for the first test because it is a non-structural component.
PioneerLab will remain a concept for now, but Airbus hopes the carbon-capturing material can help make the industry greener.