Eurocopter/Airbus X³ High-Speed Hybrid Helicopter
First flight: September 6, 2010
Speed records: May 12, 2011 232 knots (430 km/h) June 7, 2013 255 knots (472 km/hr)
X³ high-speed hybrid helicopter is the technology demonstrator designed to validate the H3 concept (High-speed, long-range, Hybrid Helicopter). The helicopter development program was officially launched on Jan. 25, 2008, with three different functions. First, it was planned to validate the technical concepts: anti-torque function and yaw controls, optimization of controlled thrust via the propellers or a slight rotor inclination, and rotor and propeller controls (power management system). Second, the X³ was used to evaluate performance, flight quality, stress, and vibration levels in an expanded flight envelope. Third, it was utilized to study different aircraft configurations, such as in hover flight, to neutralize torque by adjusting the pitch settings on the two propellers.
To reduce the demonstrator’s development costs and time cycles, X³’s airframe is based mainly on the AS365 Dauphin; the 41.3-ft (12.6-m) diameter five-bladed rotor and the automatic pilot were taken from the EC155 the central module for the gearbox comes from the EC175, the propulsion system from the NH90’s two Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322-01/9A turboshaft engines with 2,160 hp (1,611 kW) maximum continuous power each, and the servo controls and trim actuators from the EC145. Development work was only necessary for components required specifically for the X³ or for those adapted from existing components, such as the main gearbox/ propeller coupling shaft and five-blade tractor rotor system. By April 2010, the aircraft fabrication and installation of the engines and transmission were completed and ready for its test phase beginning in 2010.
The Eurocopter X³ performed its first flight on Sept. 6, 2010. On May 12, 2011, the X³ hybrid helicopter exceeded its speed challenge at 232 knots (430 km/h) in level, stabilized flight. Finally, on June 7, 2013, the X³ hybrid helicopter opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/h) in level flight. 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 surpassed the official speed record for a helicopter (but these did not qualify as official records).
Description: Jacques Virasak
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