Eurocopter recently revealed it’s developmental X3 helicopter. This unique aircraft features two forward-facing propellers on stub wings, which combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. At higher speeds, lift and thrust will be progressively shifted from rotors to wing and props.
Eurocopter recently revealed it’s developmental X3 helicopter. This unique aircraft features two forward-facing propellers on stub wings, which combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. At higher speeds, lift and thrust will be progressively shifted from rotors to wing and props.
The X3 hybrid 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.
The X3 demonstrator’s first flight occurred September 6 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.
Eurocopter, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group, was established in 1992. It employs approximately 15,600 people, and was confirmed as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. It has 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
General characteristics
Crew: 2
Length: ft in (m)
Rotor diameter: ft in (m)
Height: ft in (m)
Disc area: ft² (m²)
Empty weight: lb (kg)
Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft, 2,270 shp (1,693 kW) each
Rotor: 1 five-bladed pusher-type
Performance
Maximum speed: 220 knots
