Tue, Sep 28, 2010
Company Expects Cruising Speeds North Of 220 Knots
Eurocopter has begun test flights of the X3 demonstrator for its
innovative High-speed, long-range Hybrid Helicopter (H3) concept,
which combines vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with
cruise speeds of more than 220 kts.
Photo Courtesy Eurocopter
The X3 demonstrator is equipped with two turboshaft engines that
power a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers installed
on short-span fixed wings. This creates an advanced transportation
system offering the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the
full hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. The concept is
tailored to applications where operational costs, flight duration
and mission success depend directly on the maximum cruising
speed.
A wide range of utilizations are envisaged for the H3
configuration, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR)
missions, coast guard duties, border patrol missions, passenger
transport and inter-city shuttle services. It also may be
well-suited for military missions in special forces operations,
troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation –
benefitting from the hybrid aircraft’s combination of higher
cruise speeds with excellent vertical takeoff/landing
performance.
“Innovation is at the core of Eurocopter’s strategy
to continue its leadership in the global helicopter sector, and the
X3 demonstrator represents a key element of our innovation
roadmap,” said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter’s President
& CEO. “The teams at Eurocopter took this hybrid
helicopter from concept to first flight in less than three years,
which demonstrates their skills, capabilities and dedication to
defining the future of rotary-wing aircraft.”
The X3 demonstrator’s first flight occurred September 6th
in southern France at the Istres Center of “DGA Flight
Testing”, which is operated by the French DGA government
agency and ensures a secure and controlled environment. Initial
testing will continue through December with reduced power,
progressively opening the flight envelope to speeds of
approximately 180 kts. After a three-month upgrade, X3 flights will
resume in March 2011 with the goal of reaching sustained cruise
speeds in excess of 220 kts.
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