Step 1 Speed Objective Attained Ahead Of Schedule
Eurocopter’s X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator,
which first flew September 6, 2010, has reached the program’s
Step 1 speed objective ... attaining a true airspeed of 180 kts in
level flight at a reduced level of engine power. The flight
occurred at the DGA Flight Test base in Istres, France November
29th.
Eurocopter Photo
In the flight testing performed thus far, the flight envelope
has been opened both with and without autopilot to validate the
basic hybrid demonstrator aircraft’s stability and handling
characteristics. The X3 has reached an altitude of 12,500 feet and
performed maneuvers with left
and right turns at bank angles of up to 60 degrees.
The X3 flights to date were performed by Eurocopter test pilot
Hervé Jammayrac and flight test engineer Daniel Semioli at
the French DGA test facility in Istres. “The X3 has performed
extremely well, demonstrating handling and flight qualities that
are exactly in line with our ground-based simulator
evaluations,” Jammayrac said. “This helicopter is
really built for speed, and our test team looks forward to taking
the X3 to the next steps of its flight regime.”
Having already surpassed the speed of a traditional helicopter,
the next milestone for the demonstrator is the Step 2 phase at
Eurocopter’s headquarters in Marignane, France, where the X3
will enter a second set of flight tests during which it is expected
to reach sustained cruise speeds in excess of 220 kts.
Eurocopter Photo
The X3 utilizes a Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter airframe. It is
equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main
rotor system, along with two propellers installed on shortspan
fixed wings. This hybrid configuration creates an advanced
transportation system that offers the speed of a turboprop-powered
aircraft and the full hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. It
is tailored to applications where operational costs, flight
duration and mission success depend directly on the maximum
cruising speed.
The X3 combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing
capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts.
Eurocopter envisions a wide range of applications for this concept,
including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast
guard duties, border patrol missions, passenger transportation and
inter-city shuttle services. It could also be well-tailored for
military missions in Special Forces’ operations, troop
transportation, combat SAR and medical evacuation.