X~3 races through 180kt barrier

摘要

Eurocopter's X~3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator has passed a milestone by attaining a true airspeed of 180kt (333km/h) in level flight at a reduced level of engine power in testing at a DGA base in Istres, France. So far in its test campaign the X3~ has reached an altitude of 12,500ft (3,810m) and performed manoeuvres with left and right turns at bank angles of up to 60°. In the next phase, to be carried out at its Marignane base, X~3 is set to reach sustained cruises speeds of 220kt.