The half-plane, half-helicopter Airbus Racer recently made its first flight.
This is an experimental device, there are no analogues in the world. It can take off like a helicopter, but flies much faster.
The company has been developing it for more than seven years. Now let’s find out why it is needed and when it will be ready.
Short description
When did the Airbus Racer appear?
How was the first flight?
Why do we need such a helicopter?
When will the Airbus Racer be ready?
When did the Airbus Racer appear?
The first Airbus Racer concept in 2017
In 2017, Airbus Helicopters, the helicopter subsidiary of Airbus, unveiled the unusual concept Racer (Fast and Economical Rotorcraft – Fast and Economical Helicopter).
It has an unusual screw arrangement. It has traditional helicopter blades located at the top, as well as matching front rotors like an airplane.
The power plant uses two RTM322 turbo engines, developed by Rolls-Royce together with Safran Helicopter Engines. Their combined power is 2500 hp. The stated cruising speed is 400 km/h.Combined with technology, the Airbus helicopter consumes 25% less fuel than its other fast competitors.
Airbus Eurocopter X3
The Racer was based on the experimental Airbus Eurocopter X3 helicopter, created in 2010. In 2013, he set a world record, accelerating to 472 km/h. The Eurocopter X3 and Racer have similar lights, but the Racer consumes much less fuel.
When we ask end users if they are interested in high speed, the answer is invariably “yes, but.” Speed at any cost, without taking into account the economic and environmental consequences, is of no interest to anyone.
Julien Guitton, Airbus Racer Development Manager
When reaching cruising speed, one of the Racer’s engines is switched off, thereby reducing fuel consumption. But if necessary, it can turn on instantly.
The Racer was originally scheduled to begin production in 2020, but production had to be delayed due to Covid. By March 2020, only half of the components were ready.
After this, the first flight was postponed to the second quarter of 2022, but it never took place due to a delay in gearbox production. Its assembly is planned to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, but it was not ready until 2023.
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How was the first flight?
The Airbus Racer will make its first flight on April 25, 2024 in Marignane. It flew for about 30 minutes to provide pilots with a test of the helicopter’s performance in the air.
With 90 patents, Racer represents the ultimate level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and our 40 partners in 13 countries.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters
By his third test flight, the racer reached a speed of 305 km/h. This year the company plans to accelerate it to 410 km/h. Tests in eco mode, when one of the engines is turned off, will take place in 2025.
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Why do we need such a helicopter?
The racer appeared primarily for the rescue services. With its help, you can respond to calls much faster and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In addition, it can be used for search operations, when you can instantly take off and reach your destination as quickly as possible.
Of course, such a helicopter will also be in demand for military purposes.
When military customers realize there is a need for speed, I don’t want to end up in a situation where the industry doesn’t have solutions. That’s why we prepare.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters
NATO plans to create a helicopter with unique high-speed qualities only by 2038, so most likely they will pay attention to the development of Airbus.
In addition, Racer can be used for normal flights. But in this case, it will have to compete with the developing eVTOL electric helicopter segment.
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When will the Airbus Racer be ready?
Airbus does not give any time frame for the release of the production version of the Racer. Test flights will last at least a year and a half. It will also take time to complete certification.
So we don’t expect it to be released anytime soon. Probably, the first production models will appear in 2-3 years. Considering that the helicopter will be produced for more than seven years, this is not such a long time.
The issue of price remains unclear. The development of the helicopter cost Airbus €200 million. At current exchange rates, this is approximately 19.4 billion rubles or $217 million. No one is talking about the final price yet.
Airbus H160
A similar Airbus H160 helicopter, capable of reaching a speed of 324 km/h, costs ~$20 million (1.7 billion rubles).
In any case, from an engineering point of view, the Racer is a real achievement. In 2010, there was no talk of mass production of serial high-speed helicopters, but today they made their first flights.
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Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
