Back in November we told you that Sikorsky’s experimental X2 had claimed the title of world’s fastest helicopter, clocking 260 knots (299 mph) in their demonstrator model and shattering the world speed record in the process. Now Eurocopter is hot on their heels with their own futuristic chopper, the X3 hybrid, which pairs turboprop tech with a traditional rotor. The X3 just attained an airspeed of 180 knots (333 km/h) in level flight in testing in Istres, France – not as fast as the X2, but note that the X3 was not operating at full engine power.
Eurocopter is taking the tests in stages, and aims to crack 220 knots next time around, which would beat the pre-X2 record. Over the last few months of testing the X3 has performed such feats as reaching an altitude of 12,500 ft. (3,810 m) 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. Whether that setup can best the X2’s pair of coaxial rotor systems and rear propeller remains to be seen. Better pre-order one of each to be on the safe side.
