Airbus Helicopters conducted the first 30-minute flight of the racer helicopter at Marignane in the framework of the European Clean Sky 2 project providing the flight test team with invaluable data regarding the performance and behavior of the aircraft.
Airbus Helicopters made a first significant move for their Racer demonstrator. The first flight of the racer helicopter took place at Marignane in the framework of the European Clean Sky 2 project. This 30-minute test flight provided the flight test team with invaluable data regarding the general performance and behavior of the aircraft. The maiden flight marks the beginning of a two-year flight test campaign to progressively expand the flight envelope and demonstrate high-speed capabilities.
The Racer demonstrator is conceived for a cruise speed above 400 km/h, while combined speed, cost efficiency, and mission performance are equally important targets. Targeted is the reduction of a substantial 20% in fuel consumption compared to those of similar class. The reduction in fuel consumption will be achieved by optimizing aerodynamics, along with a pioneering hybrid-electric eco-mode propulsion system developed with Safran Helicopter Engines. In this system, one of the two Aneto-1X engines can be paused during the cruise flight, thus reducing CO2 emissions.
“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and for our 40 partners in 13 countries,” said Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption,” he further added.
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The Racer also seeks to prove lower operational acoustic footprint by its unique configuration. This follows the proven aerodynamic configuration of the Airbus Helicopters X3 technology demonstrator in 2013, which achieved a speed record of 472 km/h. The X3 focused on demonstrating compound aircraft architecture featuring fixed wings for efficient lift, lateral rotors for propulsion, and a main rotor for VTOL flight. The Racer will look to refine this formula for operational deployment and add capabilities for missions where high speed creates value.
