Achieves 232 Knots In Level, Stabilized Flight
Eurocopter’s X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator has
surpassed its original speed target of 220 kts, demonstrating the
compound aircraft’s performance, capabilities and maturity.
The X3’s speed milestone was reached on May 12 during stable,
level flight – with the hybrid demonstrator maintaining a
true airspeed of 232 kts for several minutes. This occurred during
only the third mission after a scheduled upgrade that integrated
the X3’s definitive gearboxes, enabling it to operate at full
power.
“Eurocopter’s teams have once again shown their
ability to apply innovation as a cornerstone of our strategy in
remaining the helicopter industry leader,” said Lutz
Bertling, Eurocopter’s President & CEO. “Future
helicopters incorporating the X3 configuration will offer our
customers about 50 percent more cruise speed and range at very
affordable costs, therefore defining the future of high
productivity rotary-wing aircraft.”
Aboard the aircraft were Eurocopter test pilot Hervé
Jammayrac and flight test engineer Daniel Semioli “We were
impressed by the ease at which this speed objective was
attained,” Jammayrac explained. “The X3 handles
extremely well, demonstrating remarkable stability at high speed
– even with the autopilot off. We are very proud of this
achievement, which results from the dedicated efforts of all those
who have worked on the project.”
Eurocopter began X3 flight testing last September in a program
that combines the excellent vertical takeoff and landing
capabilities of a helicopter with aircraft-type fast cruise speeds
of more than 220 kts. After the X3 achieved the initial true
airspeed goal of 180 kts in November at a reduced level of engine
power, the X3 underwent its planned gearbox upgrade and safety
inspection. Since returning to flight last week, the X3 quickly
demonstrated its performance at full engine power, including
impressive climb and descent rates, as well as excellent
maneuverability, while also confirming the hybrid propulsion
system’s outstanding capabilities for acceleration and
deceleration.
In the test program to date, the X3’s basic handling
characteristics and stability have been validated throughout the
aircraft’s flight envelope without the need of a stability
augmentation system, which has been confirmed in testing performed
with the autopilot disengaged and engaged. In addition, the hybrid
aircraft has low vibration levels without the use of passive or
active anti-vibration systems, providing flight characteristics
comparable to those of the best traditional design helicopters
currently in service.
The X3 utilizes a Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter airframe
equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main
rotor system and two propellers which are installed on short-span
fixed wings. 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 company envisions a wide range of utilizations for this
concept, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions,
coast guard duties, border patrol missions, passenger transport,
offshore operations and inter-city shuttle services. It also could
be well-tailored 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.
Flight testing of the X3 is being performed from the DGA Flight
Test Center in Istres, France. The flight test program will
continue throughout 2011 to explore the hybrid helicopter’s
full flight envelope and evaluate all of the possibilities offered
by this new technology.