Airbus Helicopters: Control stick replaces cyclic, pedals, and collective

According to Airbus, piloting will be significantly simplified thanks to the improved support provided by the electric flight control system. The company has prepared a new human-machine interface (HMI) that will be equipped on the CityAirbus NextGen, the eVTOL prototype from Airbus. With a single control stick, the pilot can perform all maneuvers: takeoff and landing, climbing, descending, accelerating, decelerating, turning, and approach.

The single stick requires less space, offers the pilot better visibility, and is combined with a revised HMI that uses simple displays and provides a selection of information specifically tailored to eVTOLs.

“We have developed this system from the onset with all certification parameters in mind, as it represents a significant step forward in the validation of the design of our eVTOL for urban air mobility, CityAirbus NextGen. The advantage of an electric flight control system is immense, especially when it comes to reducing the pilot's workload and ultimately enhancing mission safety. It is also a great example of how our demonstrators serve to develop the necessary technological building blocks for the future of vertical flight," says Tomasz Krysinski, Head of Research & Innovation at Airbus Helicopters.