Eurocopter - X3 Hybrid Helicopter Demonstrator Achieving To Exceed 220 Knots (407 Km/h) [720p]

27 Sep 2010 : 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.

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 6 Sep 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.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Military

[citanon]

How is this at all practical? Anyone stepping out of the door run the risk of being turned into minced meat by the twin propellers.



[Kondensat74]

to all morons, claiming its not safe:

is it allowed to step out of the doors at ANY normal passenger plane while the turbines or props are still running????

NO!

so stfu

[invertedstyles]

@Kondensat74

Did you not watch this video? I'm pretty sure they said at 1:03 that they wanted this helio to work for search and rescue missions as well as private transport. What good is a fucking helicopter when you can't rappel from it while hovering because of the stupid fucking rotor blades near the the hatch? Helicopters were created for fast extraction and insertions while in flight. The down and foward draft will ruin your day for anyone opening that door while in flight.

[4merlinn1]

@citanon The props are well behind and outboard of the fuselage and doors. People have been working around running helicopters and prop aircraft for years with only a few of the most careless being injured. Anyone outside this craft while running will, hopefully, be intelligent enough to be aware of the dangers involved.

[Scrumper66]

C'est le futur "Hélivion"!!! (helico-avion) Moi je trouve que ca fait joli, non? Helivion, pourquoi pas?

[pommyrooter]

@YuDumPhuck, Concept*. Technology is what they are using, the knowledge is Concept. I'm fairly certain the technology would have already been Patented, it would take a fool to not.

[ericssson]

@mrv2010 you don't get it .. it's experimental ass hole

[YuDumPhuck]

China will steal and copy this technology soon.

[jporezzoli]

I don't think this is a viable project... its dangerous, on the test flight you can see the tail and wings shaking due to the turbulence created by the angle the rotors are one perpendicular to each other... add to that speed (more turbulence) the forces applied while on flight at full speed, maneuvering... etc... good proof of concept maybe... but not viable at large scale.

[mrv2010]

Stupid concept. People watch out for those darn rotors unless you want to be turned into bloody mashed potatoes!

[mrv2010]

Stupid cocept. People watch out for those darn rotors unless you want to be turned into bloody mashed potatoes!