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Airbus RACER

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RACER
RACER model at Paris Air Show 2017
Role Experimental compound helicopter
National origin Multinational
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters
First flight 25 April 2024[1]
Developed from Eurocopter X³

The Airbus RACER (Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) is an experimental high-speed compound helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters from the Eurocopter X³. Revealed at the June 2017 Paris air show, final assembly will start in mid-2020 for a 2021 first flight. Cruising up to 400 km/h (216 kn), it aims for a 25% cost reduction per distance over a conventional helicopter.

Development

The RACER builds on the Eurocopter X³ experience

On 20 June 2017 at the Paris air show, Airbus Helicopters revealed a high-speed demonstrator configuration based on the X3 developed within the Clean Sky 2 research programme.[2] Its aerodynamic configuration was validated in 2017.[3] In February 2018, the 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) Safran Aneto-1X power plant was selected over the RTM322 initially selected, it is 25% more compact for the same power.[4]

By October 2018, design of key subsystems was completed before the first components started manufacturing with long-lead items, as the lateral drive shaft production began. GE's Avio Aero in Italy launched procurement and manufacturing of the lateral gear boxes housings, GE Aviation Systems in UK is building the wing’s titanium cradle, INCAS/Romaero in Romania started the design and manufacturing the hybrid structure (metal&composite) of the Main Fuselage and the Firewalls and Aernnova in Spain the tail parts primary structure.[3]

The flight demonstration should expand the flight envelope and assess performance, before demonstrating missions like EMS, SAR and private transport, while developing low-noise flight procedures.[3] Final assembly was due to start in mid-2020 for a first flight in the fourth quarter of 2021[5] however, primarily due to COVID-19 pandemic-related delays, only 50% of the components were completed by the spring of 2021. The final component, the gearbox, was expected to be delivered in Q1 2022 for ground testing and installation, with first flight anticipated at the beginning of Q2 in 2022.[6] It only arrived in March 2023 while powered systems testing and taxi trials however had begun in December 2022.[7]

It made its first flight on 25 April 2024 in Marignane.[1] By its third test flight in may, it had performed agressive manoeuvres and reached 165 kn (305 km/h), using 300 kW (400 hp) less power than a conventional helicopter, while both engines were at 50% torque at 160 kn (300 km/h).[8] It should reach 220 kn (410 km/h) later in 2024 and the “eco-mode” with one engine shut down in cruise should be flight tested in 2025, along mission demonstrations.[8]

Design

Optimised for a cruise over 400 km/h (216 kn), 50% faster than a conventional helicopter, it will consume 15% less fuel per distance at 180 kn (333 km/h) than a helicopter at 130 kn (241 km/h), and aim for a 25% cost reduction per distance. The lateral pusher propellers generate thrust and are isolated from passengers during ground operations by the box wings which serve to generate lift at cruise velocity. This allows the main rotor to be slowed by up to 15% as the craft's air speed increases and prevents the rotor blades breaking the sound barrier which would reduce performance.[9] Driven by two engines, of which one is capable of shutting down and restarting once inflight to save fuel and increase range, it will have a low weight and low maintenance hybrid metallic-composite airframe and lower weight high voltage direct current electrical generation.[2][9]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b "Airbus Helicopters' Racer is off to a flying start" (Press release). Airbus Helicopters. 25 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Airbus Helicopters reveals Racer high-speed demonstrator configuration" (Press release). Airbus. 20 June 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Racer high-speed demonstrator passes preliminary design review milestone" (Press release). Airbus. 16 October 2018.
  4. ^ Thierry Dubois (February 27, 2018). "Airbus picks Safran's Aneto engine for Racer compound demonstrator". Vertical magazine.
  5. ^ Dominic Perry (24 April 2020). "Despite delays, high-speed Racer begins to take shape for Airbus Helicopters". Flightglobal.
  6. ^ Dominic Perry (14 April 2021). "Airbus ready to accelerate Racer after 2020's false start". Flightglobal.
  7. ^ Dominic Perry (23 March 2023). "Avio Aero gears up to deliver final missing component to Airbus Racer project". Flightglobal.
  8. ^ a b Dominic Perry (16 May 2024). "Racer accelerates during flight testing, but programme leaders keen to stay 'humble'". Flightglobal.
  9. ^ a b Perry, Dominic (9 April 2020). "Airbus Helicopters maintains Racer's pace despite delays". Flight Global.
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