Eurocopter X3 Achieves 255 Knots During Level Flight

The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has attained a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter.

 

The historic 255-knot speed milestone was reached wth the X3 flying at an altitude of around 10,000 ft during a 40 minute test flight over southern France near Istres. It marks the latest in a growing list of achievements for the X3, which is Eurocopter’s technology demonstrator for an advanced, cost-effective vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) transportation system that offers the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full-flight capabilities of a helicopter.

 

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds.” says Eurocopter test pilot Hervé Jammayrac.

 

“While flying at both 255 knots and 263 knots, the X3 performed exactly as it has throughout its flight envelope, exhibiting outstanding stability and providing a low vibration level without any anti-vibration system.”

 

The X3 configuration utilizes a pair of RTM 322 turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This design and architecture engine family combines power and growth potential. The RTM 322 variant, powering the X3, is based on the RTM 322 powering the NH90. It incorporates a FADEC adapted to the requirements of this high-speed demonstrator.

 

This concept is suited for missions requiring long transit flights at high speeds, while retaining full vertical lift and hover capabilities at an affordable cost. Eurocopter envisions a wide range of potential applications for its hybrid configuration, including in long-distance search and rescue (SAR) operations, coast guard missions, border patrol flights, passenger transport and off-shore airlift, along with inter-city shuttle services. The combination of higher cruise speeds and excellent VTOL performance is also suited for military missions such as special forces operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation.

 

The X3 utilizes one of the company’s Dauphin helicopters as the airframe. For the latest high-speed milestone, the demonstrator has a drag-reducing rotor head fairing, which directly benefits from company testing of a high-speed Dauphin DGV testbed during the 1990s, along with the addition of landing gear fairings. 

 

Eurocopter flight test engineer Dominique Fournier – who was aboard the X3 with test pilot Jammayrac for the latest history making flights – says the current high-speed evaluations are providing real data, in addition to the more symbolic aspect of achieving rotorcraft speed milestones.

 

“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,” Fournier explained.

 

With these latest flight milestones, the X3 demonstrator has accumulated a combined total of more than 140 hours aloft since making its maiden takeoff in September 2010,  easily surpassing Eurocopter’s initial target of 220 knots for the X3.