In a race to break the current speed record for helicopters, Airbus is developing the Racer, a high-speed demonstrator that could revolutionize the industry. The current record stands at 293 mph (472 kph), achieved by the Airbus Eurocopter X3 in 2013. Now, Airbus is aiming to surpass its own achievement with the Racer.
Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2017, the Racer is part of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project. It is built on the foundation of the X3 prototype, but with some notable improvements. One of the key features of the Racer is its ability to shut down one of its engines while in flight. Powered by a pair of Safran Aneto-1X powerplants, the Racer can operate with just one engine, thanks to a hybrid-electrical eco-mode developed by Safran.
Airbus is keen to demonstrate that high-speed helicopters can operate with minimal fuel consumption. The Racer is estimated to use 20 percent less fuel than current generation helicopters in the same weight category. This not only reduces fuel costs but also contributes to a decrease in CO2 emissions.
Since its maiden flight in April, the Racer has undergone a series of successful flights, accumulating a total of nine hours of flight time. It has achieved impressive speeds, with a recent flight reaching a staggering 261 mph (420 kph) on June 21. Airbus is pleased with the Racer’s aerodynamic behavior and stability during these high-speed flights, paving the way for further research and development.
The next challenge for the Racer is to test its eco-mode capabilities by flying with only one operational engine. This will be a crucial milestone in proving the efficiency and reliability of the Racer’s design. Airbus has not announced a specific date for this flight, but updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available. The race to break the helicopter speed record is heating up, and Airbus is determined to emerge as the leader in this exciting field of innovation.
