Racer demonstrator, developed by Airbus Helicopters as part of the European Research Clean Sky 2 initiative, has completed its inaugural flight at Marignane, according to the company’s press release on Thursday (Apr. 25). The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to assess its overall performance.
This achievement marks the beginning of a two-year flight campaign, during which the aircraft’s flight envelope will be gradually expanded to showcase its high-speed capabilities.
“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and for our 40 partners in 13 countries,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high-speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption,” he added.
Designed for a cruise speed exceeding 400 km/h, the Racer prototype aims to strike a balance between speed, cost-effectiveness, and mission performance. It seeks to achieve a fuel consumption reduction of approximately 20% compared to current-generation helicopters of similar class, owing to aerodynamic enhancements and an eco-mode propulsion system developed in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines.
The hybrid-electric eco-mode system enables one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be temporarily deactivated during cruise flight, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the Racer aims to demonstrate how its unique architecture can mitigate its operational acoustic impact.
The Racer draws upon the aerodynamic configuration validated by the Airbus Helicopters X3 technology demonstrator, which set a speed record in 2013 by reaching 472 km/h. While the X3 focused on validating a compound architecture integrating fixed wings for efficient lift, lateral rotors for propulsion, and a main rotor for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, the aircraft aims to refine this concept for operational use, offering enhanced capabilities for missions where high speed is advantageous.
The Philippine Navy (PN) is in the process of reviving the country’s naval shipbuilding industry, said the service’s spokesperson WPS…
AirAsia marks the beginning of the airline's first flight from Ahmedabad, India, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, enhancing air links between…
BlueHalo and Kraken Technology Group are partnering to integrate BlueHalo’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)-backed autonomous mission systems into…
8tree’s dentCHECK inspection tool, developed for and used within the MRO sector for dent-mapping, is now being utilized at Boeing’s…
Hensoldt UK has been chosen by Navantia UK to provide key systems for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) three…
Embraer delivered its 1800th E-Jet aircraft with the handover of third E190-E2 to Royal Jordanian Airlines at Embraer’s facility in…
Havelsan, a Turkiye software and systems company, has attained the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Level D certification for…
ST Engineering Marine Ltd, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, has secured a contract with the Singapore Ministry of Defence for…
Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract with Brunei's Ministry of Defence for the procurement of six H145M helicopters. “We are…
Following the official launch last March, AirAsia Cambodia flew its inaugural domestic flight today, marking a major step in the…
Global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 13.8% in March this year compared to the same…
Exel Composites, a Finnish composites manufacturer, announced a collaboration with French airship designer and operator Flying Whales. The partnership aims…
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and the state-owned airline of Angola, TAAG Angola Airlines E.P., have entered a six-year agreement…
Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupted again on Tuesday (Apr. 30), leading to the cancellation of flights and closure of airports in…
Defense Technology Institute (DTI) Thailand has delivered two prototypes of the 105mm light howitzer CS/AH2 to the Artillery Battalion, Artillery…
Airbus has announced the launch of the Pléiades Neo Next programme, aimed at bolstering its high-resolution Earth observation satellite constellation,…
Eve Air Mobility joins Japan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Public-Private Committee, as announced by the company’s press release on Tuesday…
ACIA Aero Leasing, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, announced the successful delivery of one of two ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighters to…
One TPS-P14ME Mobile Air Surveillance Radar System from Japan was officially handed over to the Philippines Air Force (PAF). The…
Skyllence, an international air charter broker, announced the appointment of Kestutis Abarius as Head of Sales on Monday (Apr. 29).…
Qatar Airways and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have reaffirmed their commitment to aiding the most vulnerable…
The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) is set to acquire an additional five Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) from Japan. These vessels…
Korean Air is set to open a new daily route connecting Seoul Incheon with Macau starting 1 July 2024, as…
Qatar Airways Cargo announced the opening of its advanced Animal Centre and the relaunching of its Next Generation Live product…
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Air India, India's national flag carrier, have established a commercial agreement to initiate a codeshare…
Saab has completed the delivery of another GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the United Arab Emirates…
In what seems to be a continuation of Vietnam’s Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang's visit to South Korea in…
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), a Dublin-based helicopter leasing and finance company, has secured a contract with Airbus Helicopters and GDAT,…
Indian Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) IndiGo has announced a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft in what is its first…
Lockheed Martin Australia has secured an AUD$500 million contract with the Australian Department of Defence to develop the country’s future…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.