Airbus flew its strange helicopter-plane hybrid called Racer for the first time in Marseille, France on Monday. The aerospace manufacturer categorizes the aircraft as a high-speed demonstration helicopter. Unlike conventional helicopters, the Racer has fixed wings with control surfaces and propelling propellers. The first flight lasted just 30 minutes, but Airbus aims to open up the Racer’s flight range over the next two years as development continues.
As the name implies, the Racer can reach incredibly high speeds for a helicopter due to its propeller configuration. Airbus stated that the compound helicopter’s current cruising speed is 400 km per hour, less than 1 mph behind the current world record of the Westland Lynx. However, fuel efficiency was the driving force behind the program’s existence. Julien Guitton, head of Airbus’ Racer program, said:
“The goal of the Racer is not to go as fast as possible, but to provide enhanced operational capabilities at the right price for missions where speed can really be an asset. When we ask end users whether high speeds are interesting for them, the answer is invariably ‘yes, but’. Speed at any price, without taking into account the economic and ecological impact, is not interesting for anyone.”
The wing fitted to the Racer provides 40 percent of the total lift, enabling what Airbus calls Eco-Mode. The Racer can shut down one of its two engines in flight to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. Although it is a slower flight mode, the aircraft would still fly faster than a conventional helicopter. If necessary, the second engine can also be restarted immediately. Airbus claims the Racer is more comfortable to fly due to the reduced vibration caused by the main rotor.
The future of aviation seems to indicate that helicopter flights will become even more common. Airlines hope to offer shuttle services from city centers to airports to passengers within a few years. Those plans revolve around semi-autonomous eVTOL aircraft. While electric helicopters have come a long way, the efficiency gains promised by the Racer’s innovations could be useful for other aircraft.
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