Airbus Helicopters X3 Hybrid Demonstrator
A Airbus Helicoptersvideo, a major milestone for Airbus Helicopters' X3 hybrid helicopter. Airbus Helicopters is a global helicopter manufacturing and support company. It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries.
Step 1 speed objective of 180 kts is attained ahead of schedule for this innovative rotary-wing aircraft. The X3 is an experimental compound helicopter under development by Airbus Helicopters. It is intended to fly at speeds of over 220 knots.
The X3 demonstrator is based on a EC155 helicopter with the addition of short span wings each fitted with a tractor propeller. The helicopter is designed to prove the concept of a high-speed helicopter which depends on the slowing down of the rotor speed to avoid drag from the advancing blade tip, and to avoid retreating blade stall by unloading the rotor while a small wing is intended to provide up to 80% lift instead
For more information: http://www.AirbusHelicopters.com