The Eurocopter X³ (X-Cubed) is an experimental high-speed compound helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). A technology demonstration platform for “high-speed, long-range hybrid helicopter” or H³ concept, the X³ achieved 255 knots (472 km/h; 293 mph) in level flight on 7 June 2013, setting an unofficial helicopter speed record. In June 2014, it was placed in a French air museum Musée de l’Aviation in the village of Saint-Victoret.
| Role | Experimental compound helicopter |
|---|---|
| National origin | Multinational |
| Manufacturer | Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters |
| First flight | 6 September 2010 |
| Status | Museum exhibit |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin Eurocopter EC155 |
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Gross weight: 5,200 kg (11,464 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9a turboshaft engines, 1,693 kW (2,270 hp) each
- Main rotor diameter: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)
- Main rotor area: 124.7 m2 (1,342 sq ft)
- Propellers: 5-bladed (two tractor propellers gear driven from main engines).
- Main rotor: five-bladed from the Eurocopter EC155
Performance
- Maximum speed: 472 km/h (293 mph, 255 kn) at roughly 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
- Cruise speed: 407 km/h (253 mph, 220 kn)
- Service ceiling: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
- Rate of climb: 28 m/s (5,500 ft/min)
- Tip speed: 0.91 Mach.
- Autorotation: 2,800 f.p.m
Photos Rob Vogelaar and Marcel van Leeuwen