Gas-Powered UAV Test Bed Examines High-Speed Helicopter Design
Kawasaki has further refined its K-Racer X1 UAV prototype, taking its previously staid, run of the mill powerplant to the next level by cramming in the engine from their top of the line H2R superbike. Japan seems continually enamored by the concept of gas-powered VTOL aircraft, with the Xturismo "Hoverbike" similarly propelled by a wrapped-out bike engine while in hover. The 1,000 cc, supercharged, 310 horsepower heart is a fine, high-output machine while installed in its bike form, where the complete ensemble weighs just over 475 pounds. In the K-Racer, (or, in its uncompacted nomenclature, the Kawasaki Researching Autonomic Compound to Exceed Rotorcraft) the power is capabl