Airbus Helicopters has introduced a high-speed demonstrator rotorcraft named the Racer. Designed with what is described as a “simple, safe, and proven aerodynamic formula,” the Racer is meant to find the best compromise between high-speed cruise (216 knots), cost-effectiveness and optimum mission performance.
The Racer builds on the Airbus X3 demonstrator, which the company says validated the configuration of a traditional main rotor supplemented by lateral pusher propellers mounted on box-wings. Other innovative technological elements include a hybrid metal-composite airframe; a new-design high-voltage, direct current generator; and an asymmetric rear fuselage cross-section to optimize hover performance without sacrificing forward and cruise-flight capability.
Among the top priorities in designing the Racer are minimizing carbon footprint and noise. The aerodynamic configuration is said to bring about 15% improvement in fuel burn per hour at 180 knots, even compared to a conventional helicopter’s 130-knot maximum cruise speed. Safran’s hybrid-electric Eco-Mode power system enables one of the Racer’s two Aneto-1X engines to go to standby mode while in cruise flight, which Airbus says adds another 30% to its improved fuel burn. On the acoustic side, the “distinct architecture” of the airframe contributes to lowering its noise footprint.
The Racer builds on the Airbus X3 demonstrator, which the company says validated the configuration of a traditional main rotor supplemented by lateral pusher propellers mounted on box-wings. Other innovative technological elements include a hybrid metal-composite airframe; a new-design high-voltage, direct current generator; and an asymmetric rear fuselage cross-section to optimize hover performance without sacrificing forward and cruise-flight capability.
Among the top priorities in designing the Racer are minimizing carbon footprint and noise. The aerodynamic configuration is said to bring about 15% improvement in fuel burn per hour at 180 knots, even compared to a conventional helicopter’s 130-knot maximum cruise speed. Safran’s hybrid-electric Eco-Mode power system enables one of the Racer’s two Aneto-1X engines to go to standby mode while in cruise flight, which Airbus says adds another 30% to its improved fuel burn. On the acoustic side, the “distinct architecture” of the airframe contributes to lowering its noise footprint.
