June 11 The Eurocpter X3 helicopter has recently broken two speed records, the first a speed of 263 knots in a descent and the second a speed of 255 knots in level flight. Conventional helicopters use tail rotors to counter the torque effect. "These flights allow us to further explore the behavior of main rotors at high speeds, and enable us to make effectiveness assessments of the fairing we've added to the main rotor hub – which will be beneficial for drag optimization across Eurocopter's overall product range," he said. On June 7th, the X3 blew through the previous air speed record for helicopters by cruising at 255 knots (293 MPH) during a 40-minute flight over Southern France near Istres. The new Eurocopter X3 has officially staked its claim as the world's fastest helicopter. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. June 20, 2012: Eurocopter begins the US tour of its X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter, which will demonstrate the unique operational capabilities of this advanced transportation system during a month of visits to military facilities and hub locations for civil helicopter operators. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our It can attain a maximum speed of … June 7, 2013: The X3 hybrid helicopter opens the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight. How does one get selected for such an elite project? The Eurocopter X3 is projected to be one of the fastest fixed wing helicopters. It will be one of the fastest fixed wing helicopters in the world with a projected speed of over 220kt (407km per hour). A first-flight of the Eurocopter X3 was completed on September 6th, 2010 and, on May 12th, 2011, the X3 undertook a recorded flight with speeds in excess of 267 miles-per-hour. With its new configuration, the X3 is said to have a top speed of 220 knots, about 80 knots better than that of traditional helicopters. @Bob: Yes, luckily our orange is still juicier than that apple. The X3 reached 263 knots (487 km/h) several days beforehand, achieved during a dive rather than level flight, also besting the X2's record in descent – by a single knot. Eurocopter developed the H3 concept (High-speed, long-range, Hybrid Helicopter), a new type of aircraft that can perform vertical takeoffs and landings and obtain cruising speeds of approximately 220 kts. The X3 was set to usher in something of a new age for helicopters considering its high-speed qualities. By November 2015, the flight envelope of the prototype had been progressively expanded, having attained a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet (4,600 m) and … The AH-64 Apache is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter for the U.S. Army. Look out for more aviation coverage from the Paris Air Show this week, where Gizmag is in attendance. X3 Helicopter Sets Speed Record At Nearly 300 MPH The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter emerged from the hangar this month to set a new speed record for helicopters. Piloted by Hervé Jammayrac, the X3 reached a … See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning. 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. The AH-56 Cheyenne hit 244 mph in 1972. Metro Hop says its e-STOL plane can get airborne off a 25-meter runway, Airbus proposes detachable hydrogen propulsion pods for aircraft, EHang secures first test flight permit in the heart of Europe, Volocopter sells out its first tourist eVTOL flights in Singapore, Common blood pressure drug found to have lifespan-extending potential, World's largest off-shore wind farm to welcome the first 14-MW turbine, The biggest battery breakthroughs of 2020. You mean the V-22 that ISN'T a helicopter? Up until its first flight, only a small group knew of the X3’s existence. This is more or less identical to the X3 that notched up 232 knots (430 km/h) in May of 2011. In a company press release, Eurocopter flight test engineer Dominique Fournier, who was aboard the X3 during its record-breaking flight, reveals how the extra performance was eked out of the machine. June 7, 2013: The X3 hybrid helicopter opens the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight. This hybrid configuration creates an advanced transportation system offering the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. 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. Eurocopter's X3 hybrid helicopter makes aviation history in achieving a speed milestone of 255 knots during level flight Airbus Helicopter June 11, 2013 Why bother ??? Eurocopter also added that the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots in a dive. "I wouldn't expect it to be able to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in the helicopter configuration". With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. More Aircraft. Eurocopter has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. May 12, 2011: The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter exceeds its speed challenge: 232 knots (430 km/h) is attained in level, stabilised flight. The results are still not confirmed, but once they are, the X3 will officialy become the fastest helicopter ever. And don't miss the two previous episodes in this series, with X3 test pilot Hervé Jammyrac, X3 flight test engineer Dominique Fournier, and U.S. tech rep Jonathan Hubbell. Eurocopter has begun test flights of the X3 demonstrator for its innovative High-speed, long-range Hybrid Helicopter (H3) concept, which combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. Lockheedmartin(dot)com. The record-breaking X3 high-speed helicopter demonstrator, built by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) in absolute secrecy and record time, captivated the hearts and minds of the company and aviation fans around the world with its first flight on the 6th of September 2010. took to the skies with the Patrouille de France (PAF) in 2013. The Eurocopter EC155 (now Airbus Helicopters H155) is a long-range medium-lift passenger transport helicopter developed by Eurocopter from its Dauphin family for civil aviation use. So w. The X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots (472 km/h) over the south of France on June 7 2013. Doesn't sound like that much of an inprovement. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 13 passengers along with 1 or 2 crew, depending on customer configuration. So they are streamlining, this bit and that bit to go a bit faster. On June, 20th 2013 a Bloomberg L.P. special video report stated that the X3 is the World's Fastest Helicopter by reaching a top speed of 472 km/h on several test flights. Flying at a cruise speed of 220 knots (410 km/h) which is 50 percent faster than a conventional helicopter, the X3 brought to life a new aerodynamic configuration that has important implications for operations where speed means saving lives, such as air medical and search and rescue missions. The Eurocopter X3 is a high-speed, long-range hybrid technology demonstrator helicopter being designed and manufactured by Eurocopter SAS. 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. The fastest military helicopter is the Eurocopter X3. The X3 utilises a Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter airframe equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers which are installed on short-span fixed wings. 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? An airspeed of 255 knots is equal to 293 mph, so that isn't that far away from the V-22 Osprey's top speed of 275 knots, 316 mph. On the 10th anniversary of the X3's first flight, let's take a walk back in time  – and then into the future – with Tomasz Krysinski, the head of the X3 programme and today’s Head of Research & Innovation at Airbus Helicopters. The Eurocopter's X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator is seen at the Istres flight testing center, September 27, 2010. It is not quite twice as fast as the current copters, but it … Eurocopter X3: Tops in Fastest Helicopters List. 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. Aviation Week reports that the X3 may live on in the form of LifeCraft, a high-speed helicopter proposed by the European Commission due to fly in. It also reached 263 knots (487 km/h) several days beforehand, achieved during a dive rather than level flight. The X3 protoype, … Eurocopter's X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator has delivered on the promise of pushing the frontiers in rotary-wing aviation by surpassing its original speed target of 220 kts. Guiding the X3 each step of the way was test pilot Hervé Jammayrac. So far as speed records go, we'll be keeping half on eye on Sikrosky and its S-97 Raider, which has superseded its X2, but is yet to make its maiden flight. Ten years after that first flight, and in anticipation of the future, we sit down with members of the X3 team to hear their stories first-hand, from the demonstrator’s conception and assembly, to its three-year flight test campaign and journey into the public eye. Flying 50% faster than a conventional helicopter by combining a main rotor with boxed wings and propellers, RACER could have a major impact on missions where speed means lives, such as emergency medical services and search and rescue. We also look at what’s next, with RACER. I wouldn't expect it to be able to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in the helicopter configuration. June 11, 2013. In addition to high speeds, the H3 project focuses on the overall cost of the machine, which must remain affordable. Eurocopter putting high-speed concept aircraft through its paces in Huntsville for Army audience Updated Jan 14, 2019; Posted Jul 02, 2012 Eurocopter X3 07.01.12 Eurocopter has begun test flights of the X3 demonstrator for its innovative High-speed, long-range Hybrid Helicopter (H3) concept, which combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. 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. This helicopter lines in the first position of world’s … 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 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. It is a proposed high-speed scout and… So we’re in the top 3 now and sitting proudly at 3 is the Sikorsky S-97 Raider. Training. Eurocopter has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. I agree. This military helicopter is capable of flying at speeds of up to 487km/h. The aircraft will offer the efficiency of a turboprop engine and the excellent hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. In order to give you a better service Airbus uses cookies. On June 7, 2013, the X3 demonstrator achieved a speed milestone by reaching a speed level of 472 km/h (255 knots). [1] Will the propellors only work while it is in the air or will they be killing everyone who walks into them on the tarmac? Over the course of its three-year journey, the X3 performed nearly 200 flights on two continents while breaking a world record and pulling off incredible stunts – like racing a high-speed TGV train. Eurocopter achieved the historic 255-knot speed milestone with the X3 flying at an altitude of around 10,000 feet during a 40 minute test flight over southern France near Istres. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. What happens when there is an engine failure one side? Uh, the Eurocopter X three, and this is a behemoth just broke. James writes about science and technology from his home in rural East Anglia. Otherwise, Eurocopter reports a familiar specification for the aircraft that flew on June 7. Isn't putting extra engines just asking for higher maintenance bills and a greater chance of breaking down? This secrecy also helped create a tightly welded team of exceptional profiles from around the world. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. ... just go and buy a STOL plane. RACER improves upon the X3’s simple, proven formula, marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings. Fastest helo ever struts its stuff in Southern France. The average top speed for a helicopter has typically hovered around 160 mph, but thanks to an addition of two turboprop engines, the Eurocopter X3 has exceeded that by 107 mph, topping out at an impressive 267 mph. Creating the X3 required exceptional secrecy and a unique team. The Eurocopter X3 (X-Cubed) is an experimental high-speed compound helicopter under development by Eurocopter. Over 280,000 people receive our email newsletter. This concept not only saves mission time but also reduces mission costs. 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. The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter attained a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight at an altitude of around 10,000 feet, on June 7. The X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. Eurocopter X3 Sets Helicopter Speed Record. 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. This is an… The helicopter, also one of the fastest helicopters in the world. September 6, 2010: First flight of the demonstrator for the X3, a high-speed hybrid helicopter. Whether it's the internet, nature, video games or AI, he pays particular heed to the flash points with culture, society and the planet. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. X3: On board the demonstrator with the X3 test pilot, Hervé Jammyrac. 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 which differentiate it from the Eurocopter EC155 on which it is based. The X3’s legacy lives on with today’s RACER demonstrator, part of the European Union's Clean Sky 2 research programme. use of cookies 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. Latest. The tractor propellers are gear driven from the two main turboshaft engines which also drive the five-bladed main rotor system, taken from a Eurocopter EC155. By that time, it will probably have to face competition from Sikorsky, which is also developing high speed helicopters with its X2 technology demonstrator. The tour was initiated with a debut X3 flight presentation at the Grand Prairie, Texas headquarters of Eurocopter’s US subsidiary – American Eurocopter – which was attended by employees, elected officials, customers and industry partners. Airbus Helicopters’ high-speed technology demonstrator, the X3 The X3 demonstrator is equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor… Episode 3: X3 and RACER: The winning formula for faster helicopter flight, with Tomasz Kryinski. Currently, Eurocopter is focusing on the civil high speed market for medium-weight utility and offshore helicopters, and claims that it can hit the market around 2020. X3's 2010 flight above the Camargue region in France. 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). By Stephen Pope. 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On the tenth anniversary of X3’s first flight, Jammayrac, now chief test pilot at Airbus Helicopters, reminisces about those extraordinary times. And don't miss the next two episodes in this series, with head of research and innovation, Tomasz Krysinski, X3 flight test engineer Dominique Fournier, and U.S. tech rep Jonathan Hubbell. Episode 2: Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell, X3: A secret project with an exceptional team - Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell. However, 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. Tune in for each episode in this three-part series. The speed record was a 263 knots I think is the previous record was two 50, uh, very bulky. In this episode, X3 flight test engineer Dominique Fournier explains the tactics that made this possible, from isolating teams, to early-morning truck rides in the cover of darkness. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. The second fastest helicopter is from the U.S. arsenal and is the Sikorsky S – 97. 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. Jonathan Hubbell, the American technical representative who was hand-picked to accompany the X3 on its US demo tour, shows us how his after-work hobby helped land him the job of a lifetime. The X3 flew at a speed of 255 knots in level flight, beating the previous record set in 2010 by the Sikorsky X2 compound helicopter, which was of 250-knot. In 2013 X-Cubed ) is an engine failure one side, depending on customer configuration two successes the. 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