Jet Meets Heli: Rolls-Royce Powered Eurocopter X3

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Dec 21st 2010 at 11:01AM

Eurocopter's ultra-cool X3 prototype (above), which combines the technology of a turboprop plane with traditional helicopter engineering, just attained an airspeed of 180 knots (207 mph) in level flight in testing in Istres, France. The X3, which was not operating at full power, is expected to break the official helicopter speed world record by the time testing is complete. Over the last few months of testing the X3 has performed such feats as reaching an altitude of 12,500 ft. and maneuvering with left and right turns at bank angles of up to 60°. Utilizing a Dauphin helicopter airframe, the X3 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. In terms of sheer speed it still may not top Sikorsky's experimental X2 which we wrote about last month, but its stylish looks and jet-like features should more than make up for it.

Tags: Eurocopter, eurocopter+x3, eurocopterx3, France, helicopter, rolls+royce, Rolls-Royce, rollsroyce, Sikorsky, sikorsky+x2, sikorskyx2

Filed under: Gadgets, Wings

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

reallytorkedoff Dec 21st 2010 9:24PM

"Stylish looks" aren't enough for a helicopter.

You need reliability, speed, comfort and reasonable operating expenses. This helicopter will cost more to operate than a regular one (more parts. maintenance), but anyone with enough money may find the speed increase justifies the additional expense.

The military may also like it as an alternative to the V-22 Osprey.

Then it all boils down to who's first to market. That's VERY important.