Eurocopter X3 Sets Helicopter Speed Record

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 08:36 PM ET

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** Eurocopter X3 and L-39 Albatros**

Key Takeaways:

The Eurocopter X3 achieved an unofficial world speed record for helicopters, reaching 255 knots in level flight and 263 knots in a shallow dive, surpassing the previous record held by the Sikorsky X2.
This record-breaking speed is enabled by a hybrid design featuring a slowed main rotor and two forward-facing propellers, which overcomes the challenge of retreating rotor blade stall common to traditional helicopters.
Test pilots reported the X3 exhibited outstanding stability and low vibration even at its highest speeds.
The X3's design offers high-speed transit while retaining full vertical lift and hover capabilities, making it suitable for missions such as long-distance search and rescue, border patrol, and passenger transport.

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The Eurocopter X3 has set an unofficial helicopter world speed record of 255 knots in level flight, slightly faster than the 250-knot top speed achieved by the Sikorsky X2 compound helicopter in 2010. Eurocopter said the hybrid X3 also reached a speed of 263 knots in a shallow dive, three knots faster than the X2 managed. Once the flight results are confirmed, the X3 would be named the fastest helicopter ever.

Eurocopter hit the historic speed milestones on June 7 at an altitude of around 10,000 feet over southern France near Istres. The X3 is able to achieve such remarkable speed by the use of a slowed main rotor and two forward-facing propellers that together overcome the physical challenge of retreating rotor blade stall common to all helicopters. The fastest traditional helicopters are typically limited to top speeds of around 175 knots.