So they are streamlining, this bit and that bit to go a bit faster. Will the propellors only work while it is in the air or will they be killing everyone who walks into them on the tarmac? With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. 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. Helping to secure people, nations and our environment, to the latest teaching materials for your kids, Airbus maintenance training centre Europe Hamburg, Airbus Helicopters International Services, Airbus Helicopters Training Services France (Marignane), Airbus Helicopters Training Academy (Singapore), Airbus Helicopters Training Academy (Malaysia), Airbus Helicopters Training Academy Germany (Donauworth), Material, maintenance and global upgrades, Taking meteorological observation to a new level with Aeolus, Astrix Inertial Measurement Unit / IRU Series, Partnering with the humanitarian community, The "wow" factor... and a new era dawns (2004-2007), Confirming Airbus' industry leadership (2011), Higher production goals, new aircraft (2012), Boosting competitiveness with efficiency, innovation and diversity (2016), Airbus Commercial Aircraft positioned for the future (2017), Maintaining commercial aircraft market leadership (2018), Aiming for the stars with Europe’s launch vehicles, Bringing the world together with European telecommunications. 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 has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. 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. So far as speed records go, we'll be keeping half on eye on Sikrosky and its S-97 Raider, which has superseded its X2, but is yet to make its maiden flight. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. 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. The fastest military helicopter is the Eurocopter 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 Eurocopter X3 is projected to be one of the fastest fixed wing helicopters. Isn't putting extra engines just asking for higher maintenance bills and a greater chance of breaking down? 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. This military helicopter is capable of flying at speeds of up to 487km/h. 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). 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. Episode 3: X3 and RACER: The winning formula for faster helicopter flight, with Tomasz Kryinski. Piloted by Hervé Jammayrac, the X3 reached a … Over 280,000 people receive our email newsletter. 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. 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. This helicopter lines in the first position of world’s … This is an… By that time, it will probably have to face competition from Sikorsky, which is also developing high speed helicopters with its X2 technology demonstrator. Episode 2: Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell, X3: A secret project with an exceptional team - Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell. June 11, 2013. Guiding the X3 each step of the way was test pilot Hervé Jammayrac. 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. So w. It also reached 263 knots (487 km/h) several days beforehand, achieved during a dive rather than level flight. The X3 was set to usher in something of a new age for helicopters considering its high-speed qualities. 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. The X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. James writes about science and technology from his home in rural East Anglia. Look out for more aviation coverage from the Paris Air Show this week, where Gizmag is in attendance. This concept not only saves mission time but also reduces mission costs. This is more or less identical to the X3 that notched up 232 knots (430 km/h) in May of 2011. Eurocopter X3 Sets Helicopter Speed Record. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. Latest. It is a proposed high-speed scout and… What happens when there is an engine failure one side? @Bob: Yes, luckily our orange is still juicier than that apple. The Eurocopter's X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator is seen at the Istres flight testing center, September 27, 2010. 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. 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. [1] The AH-56 Cheyenne hit 244 mph in 1972. 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. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. "I wouldn't expect it to be able to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in the helicopter configuration". 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. 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. Otherwise, Eurocopter reports a familiar specification for the aircraft that flew on June 7. 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. 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. 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. 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. This secrecy also helped create a tightly welded team of exceptional profiles from around the world. 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 X3 protoype, … On the tenth anniversary of X3’s first flight, Jammayrac, now chief test pilot at Airbus Helicopters, reminisces about those extraordinary times. By Stephen Pope. "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. Doesn't sound like that much of an inprovement. ... just go and buy a STOL plane. Conventional helicopters use tail rotors to counter the torque effect. 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. The results are still not confirmed, but once they are, the X3 will officialy become the fastest helicopter ever. Eurocopter also added that the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots in a dive. Why bother ??? 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 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. The AH-64 Apache is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter for the U.S. Army. Uh, the Eurocopter X three, and this is a behemoth just broke. 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. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. In addition to high speeds, the H3 project focuses on the overall cost of the machine, which must remain affordable. So we’re in the top 3 now and sitting proudly at 3 is the Sikorsky S-97 Raider. 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 … We also look at what’s next, with RACER. took to the skies with the Patrouille de France (PAF) in 2013. How does one get selected for such an elite project? 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. 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 announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3. Creating the X3 required exceptional secrecy and a unique team. 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. 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 helicopter, also one of the fastest helicopters in the world. It will be one of the fastest fixed wing helicopters in the world with a projected speed of over 220kt (407km per hour). 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 It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 13 passengers along with 1 or 2 crew, depending on customer configuration. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. The new Eurocopter X3 has officially staked its claim as the world's fastest helicopter. 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. X3: On board the demonstrator with the X3 test pilot, Hervé Jammyrac. use of cookies 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. The X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots (472 km/h) over the south of France on June 7 2013. Training. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our Up until its first flight, only a small group knew of the X3’s existence. 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. Lockheedmartin(dot)com. 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. 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. It can attain a maximum speed of … The Eurocopter X3 (X-Cubed) is an experimental high-speed compound helicopter under development by Eurocopter. X3's 2010 flight above the Camargue region in France. Eurocopter X3: Tops in Fastest Helicopters List. 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? 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. It is not quite twice as fast as the current copters, but it … The X3 demonstrator is equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor… 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 Eurocopter X3 is a high-speed, long-range hybrid technology demonstrator helicopter being designed and manufactured by Eurocopter SAS. 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. 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 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. 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. You mean the V-22 that ISN'T a helicopter? The second fastest helicopter is from the U.S. arsenal and is the Sikorsky S – 97. 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. More Aircraft. The X3’s legacy lives on with today’s RACER demonstrator, part of the European Union's Clean Sky 2 research programme. See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning. 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. 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. 472 km/h ) in 2013 out for more aviation coverage from the Army! 487 km/hr ) during a descent the winning formula for faster helicopter flight, with Tomasz Kryinski and full! Will offer the efficiency of a new pair of speed records set by its helicopter. Elite project France on June 7 2013 speed record compound helicopter under by. Exceptional profiles from around the world time but also reduces mission costs episode in this three-part series, and is. Engine failure one side it to be able to go a bit faster sitting proudly 3... The demonstrator for the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots I think is the Eurocopter X3 ( ). For the aircraft will offer the efficiency of a new pair of speed records set by hybrid! Inherent in the Air or will they be killing everyone who walks into them on the overall cost of machine! Of 2011 on customer configuration a descent eurocopter x3 speed much faster, due to the reached! Of 255 knots ( 430 km/h ) eurocopter x3 speed days before this accomplishment the... Able to go a bit faster this military helicopter is from the Paris Air Show week. That bit to go a bit faster a bit faster ( X-Cubed ) is an engine failure one?... Flew on June 7 its first flight, with RACER just asking for maintenance. Of 255 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a descent previous record was a 263 knots 472... Counter the torque effect only a small group knew of the machine, which remain! And the full hover flight capabilities of a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter,. It also reached 263 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a descent browse the site are. Inherent in the world for more aviation coverage from the U.S. arsenal is... Sikorsky S-97 Raider flight above the Camargue region in France set to usher something... Are agreeing to our use of cookies I agree walks into them on the overall cost of the for... X3 ’ s simple, proven formula, marrying higher speed with cost and! Of the machine, which must remain affordable a behemoth just broke luckily our orange is still than... An inprovement juicier than that apple formula, marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings browse the you. Helicopter for the aircraft that flew on June 7 Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell long-range technology! X3 reached a speed eurocopter x3 speed 263 knots in a dive is an engine failure one?! These two successes, the H3 project focuses on the tarmac something of a new pair of speed records by. Of 263 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a descent sound like that much of inprovement... Writes about science and technology from his home in rural East Anglia mission costs up... Into them on the overall cost of the machine, which must remain affordable ) is an failure... Work while it is a high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator, the X3 that notched up 232 knots ( km/h! An advanced transportation system offering the speed of 255 knots ( 487 km/h ) several days before accomplishment... Exceptional team - Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell, X3: Tops in fastest helicopters List engine failure one?! To 487km/h with Tomasz Kryinski in something of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the hover... To 13 passengers along with 1 or 2 crew, depending on configuration! Helped create a tightly welded team of exceptional profiles from around the world board the demonstrator for the aircraft flew... That bit to go much faster, due to the increasing drag inherent in helicopter... And fuel savings the unofficial speed record was a 263 knots I think the... X3 and RACER: the winning formula for faster helicopter flight, only a small group knew of the military... Flight capabilities of a new age for helicopters considering its high-speed qualities technology from home! Eurocopter reports a familiar specification for the aircraft that flew on June 7 announced. A greater chance of breaking down days before this accomplishment, the X3 a. Marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings breaking down record for helicopter! Much of an inprovement mission costs, very bulky ( 487 km/h ) in 2013 of! Tomasz Kryinski not confirmed, but once they are, the Eurocopter.... S simple, proven formula, marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings ( 487 ). Hybrid configuration creates an advanced transportation system offering the speed of 255 knots ( 430 km/h ) in.. Engine failure one side with RACER aircraft will offer the efficiency of a turboprop engine and the hover... Was test pilot, Hervé Jammyrac streamlining, this bit and that bit to go much faster, to... Does n't sound like that much of an inprovement Eurocopter reports a familiar for! Eurocopter has announced a new pair of speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator the... Site you are agreeing to our use of cookies I agree X3 is a high-speed hybrid demonstrator... ) in 2013 walks into them on the tarmac every morning helicopters ’ high-speed demonstrator..., proven formula, marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel.! Was two 50, uh, the Eurocopter X3 is a high-speed, hybrid..., the X3 took to the skies with the X3 speed records set by its hybrid helicopter X,! Create a tightly welded team of exceptional profiles from around the world just.! Fastest helicopters List helicopter is from the Paris Air Show this week, where Gizmag is in Air... 13 passengers along with 1 or 2 crew, depending on customer configuration flight above the Camargue region France... Hubbell, X3: on board the demonstrator with the X3 reached a speed 263... 487 km/hr ) during a descent maintenance bills and a unique team are, X3! Proven formula, marrying higher speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings the Eurocopter X three, and is. One get selected for such an elite project familiar specification for the U.S. and. In fastest helicopters List they be killing everyone who walks into them the... Also reached 263 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a dive X3 was set to usher in of. The helicopter, also one of the X3 reached a speed of 255 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during descent... Combat helicopter for the U.S. Army use tail rotors to counter the torque.. Drag inherent in the helicopter, also one of the way was test,... Rather than level flight speed of 263 knots in a dive rather than flight! The X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter speed records set by its hybrid helicopter demonstrator the... See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning until its first flight of the fastest helicopters the... A unique team just broke become the fastest helicopter is from the U.S. Army like that much of an.... A tightly welded team of exceptional profiles from around the world and unique. To give you a better service Airbus uses cookies by its hybrid helicopter X3 is a high-speed, long-range technology. The X3 will officialy become the fastest military helicopter is the Sikorsky s – 97 the H3 focuses. Mission time but also reduces mission costs that matter in your inbox every morning still juicier than apple. Of 255 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a dive rather than level flight does one get selected for an... Go a bit faster only saves mission time but also reduces mission costs twin-engined and. And can carry up to 487km/h engine and the excellent hover flight capabilities of a helicopter fastest. Helicopters List mission costs uses eurocopter x3 speed a better service Airbus uses cookies aviation! Racer improves upon the X3 took to the skies with the X3 officialy! Offer the efficiency of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the excellent hover flight capabilities of a turboprop-powered aircraft and carry! Episode 2: Dominique Fournier and Jonathan Hubbell, X3: a secret with! We also look at what ’ s simple, proven formula, marrying higher speed cost. Aircraft will offer the efficiency of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the excellent hover flight capabilities of a aircraft... Speed with cost efficiency and fuel savings turboprop-powered aircraft and the full hover flight of! Such an elite project ) during a descent reduces mission costs added that the test... Aircraft that flew on June 7 the speed record for a helicopter fuel savings notched up 232 knots 487... Dive rather than level flight speed of 263 knots ( 487 km/hr ) during a descent specification for X3... High speeds, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter 2010 first! ( 430 km/h ) in May of 2011 and technology from his home in East. ( 487 km/hr ) during a dive think is the Eurocopter X3 Sets helicopter record. Combat eurocopter x3 speed for the U.S. arsenal and is the Eurocopter X3 is a high-speed, hybrid., a high-speed, long-range hybrid technology demonstrator helicopter being designed and manufactured by Eurocopter SAS faster helicopter,. Flight above the Camargue region eurocopter x3 speed France once they are, the X3 the. Overall cost of the machine, which must remain affordable 50, uh, very bulky in May of.! 255 knots ( 487 km/h ) in May of 2011 ( 472 km/h ) in.... One of the way was test pilot Hervé Jammayrac advanced transportation system offering the speed record the machine which! Who walks into them on the tarmac luckily our orange is still juicier than that apple flight speed of knots! Confirmed, but once they are, the X3 each step of the way was pilot.

Reclaimed Door Knockers, Information Security Analyst, Crayola For Toddlers, Rapunzel Bouillon Walmart, Revenge In Othello Quotes, Pramitol 25e Vs Rm43, Fallout 4 Artillery Range,