Eurocopter starts X3 hybrid test flights
Eurocopter has flown its X3 demonstrator helicopter.
Eurocopter
has flown its X3 demonstrator helicopter.
The X3 has two turboshaft engines
that power a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers on short fixed
wings. This means that the aircraft can take-off and land like a helicopter as
well as cruising like a turboprop aircraft.
that power a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers on short fixed
wings. This means that the aircraft can take-off and land like a helicopter as
well as cruising like a turboprop aircraft.
“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 and 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.”
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 and 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.”
Eurocopter
says the X3 can fly faster than traditional helicopters with a fast cruise
speed of more than 220 knots. It says it could be used for a variety of
missions including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard
duties, border patrol missions, passenger transport, inter-city shuttle
services, special forces operations, troop transport, and medical evacuation.
says the X3 can fly faster than traditional helicopters with a fast cruise
speed of more than 220 knots. It says it could be used for a variety of
missions including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard
duties, border patrol missions, passenger transport, inter-city shuttle
services, special forces operations, troop transport, and medical evacuation.
