In order to give you a better service Airbus uses cookies. How does one get selected for such an elite project? September 6, 2010: First flight of the demonstrator for the X3, a high-speed hybrid helicopter. We also look at what’s next, with RACER. Piloted by Hervé Jammayrac, the X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots (472 km/h) over the south of France on June 7, eclipsing the 250 knots (463 km/h) set by Sikorsky's X2 demonstrator back in 2010. X3's 2010 flight above the Camargue region in France. The X3 protoype, … More Aircraft. The X³ demonstrator is based on the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter, with the addition of short span wings each fitted with a tractor propeller, having different pitch to counter the torque effect of the main rotor. The Eurocopter X3 is a high-speed, long-range hybrid technology demonstrator helicopter being designed and manufactured by Eurocopter SAS. The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. @Bob: Yes, luckily our orange is still juicier than that apple. So we’re in the top 3 now and sitting proudly at 3 is the Sikorsky S-97 Raider. And don't miss the other episodes in this series, with X3 test pilot Hervé Jammyrac, and with head of research and innovation, Tomasz Krysinski. ... just go and buy a STOL plane. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our Still, it's clear Eurocopter was keen to squeeze every drop of performance out of its technological demonstrator, which, judging by the press material, it is pitching as an sensible choice for search and rescue, border patrol, passenger transportation or special forces military operations. The X3 configuration utilises a pair of RTM 322 turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. It is a proposed high-speed scout and… Tune in for each episode in this three-part series. This V-22 top speed measurement was achieved at sea level though, so one wonders what altitude the X3 was at, how long 255 knots was sustained for, and how did the X3 behave at this speed? It also paved the way for the development of today’s RACER demonstrator, which uses the same simple design to marry higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings. In 2011, Airbus Helicopters’ X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator took to the skies and delivered on the promise of pushing the frontiers in rotary-wing aviation by surpassing its original speed target of 220 kts. Isn't putting extra engines just asking for higher maintenance bills and a greater chance of breaking down? Will the propellors only work while it is in the air or will they be killing everyone who walks into them on the tarmac? Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. The aircraft will offer the efficiency of a turboprop engine and the excellent hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. This concept not only saves mission time but also reduces mission costs. Lockheedmartin(dot)com. Eurocopter X3: Tops in Fastest Helicopters List. Airbus Helicopters’ high-speed technology demonstrator, the X3 Conventional helicopters use tail rotors to counter the torque effect. June 11, 2013. The Eurocopter X3 can reach a top speed somewhere in the neighborhood of 267 mph (430 km/hr or 232 kts) in stable and level flight. Fastest helo ever struts its stuff in Southern France. The X3 demonstrator is equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor… Eurocopter has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. The prototype helicopter is designed to offer "the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full hover-flight capabilities of a helicopter," according to Eurocopter. Eurocopter's X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots over the south of France on June 7 (Photo: Eurocopter/A.Pecchi), The X3's rotor hub was fitted with an aerodynamic fairing to reduce drag (Photo: Eurocopter/A.Pecchi), Two adapted Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines power the X3's five-bladed main rotor and twin propellors mounted on the X3's stumpy fixed wings (Photo: Eurocopter/A.Pecchi), Having amassed more than 140 hours in the air since its maiden flight in September 2010, it's thought that the Eurocopter X3 will retire before the year is out (Photo: Eurocopter/A.Pecchi). See the stories that matter eurocopter x3 speed your inbox every morning not only saves mission time but also reduces mission.! Tops in fastest helicopters List the fastest military helicopter is the Eurocopter X three, and this a. High-Speed technology demonstrator helicopter being designed and manufactured by Eurocopter X3 took to the X3 ’ next... 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