"Eurocopter" Resume Testing of Hybrid Helicopter X3

"Eurocopter" next month to resume test flights of high-speed technology demonstrator hybrid helicopter X3, tells Flightglobal.com.

In earlier stages of testing the helicopter has a top speed of horizontal flight 232 knots (430 km / h), using only 70% of capacity. The next flight will extend this limit, however the "Eurocopter" declined to say what the rate will be achieved in the forthcoming series of test flights.

According to the Chief Technical Director Jean-Michel Billig, recent flight tests (third to X3), held in May last year, helped solve the problems identified during the previous two series of tests. This is true of the main gearbox at high speed and fuel system FADEC in the transition between two modes of flight.

With increasing power demonstrator X3 company expects to exceed the speed record X2 prototype of his opponent - the American company "Sikorsky". The aim is to create a program to develop a machine that will perform a vertical takeoff and landing, and develop in-flight cruising speed of over 220 knots (410 km / h).

"Eurocopter" X3 began flight tests in September 2010. In the first phase of testing machine was tested with incomplete traction engine, with a gradual expansion of flight envelope and increase the speed to 180 knots (333 km / h). After the modernization of the transmission tests were continued.

Flight tests are conducted in X3 demonstrator flight test center of the Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) Defense of France at the airbase "Ister."

In the prototype X3 uses the fuselage helicopter EC-155 "Dauphine." The demonstrator is equipped with two turboshaft engine, resulting in a five-blade main rotor action and two additional screws that are installed on short flaps on the sides. This design allows the X3 to develop high speed. According to the president, "Eurocopter" Lutz Bertlinga, promising helicopter will provide increased speed by 50% compared with existing models at comparable cost to operate.

As planned, the device will be manufactured in various versions, and perform a wide range of tasks including search and rescue operations at long range, border patrols and support the Coast Guard, transportation of troops and civilian personnel. Due to the high cruising speed and ability to perform in the absence of landing runway, the device can be used for special operations, incl delivery and evacuation of reconnaissance, search and rescue operations in combat medical evacuation.

According to the manual, "Eurocopter" X3 technology will be widely used in the manufacture of helicopters by 2020.