SEO Title
Airbus Racer Moves to Final Assembly
Subtitle
The Airbus Racer compound helicopter demonstrator is being readied for first flight later this year.
Subject Area
Business Aviation
Channel
Rotorcraft
Company Reference
Airbus Helicopters
Teaser Text
The Airbus Racer compound helicopter demonstrator is being readied for first flight later this year.
Content Body

The Airbus Racer (rapid and cost-effective rotorcraft) compound helicopter technology demonstrator entered the paint shop earlier this month on its way to final assembly. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even tweeted that the aircraft was on track for ground testing and first flight before year’s end. 

The Racer is funded by the European Union’s Clean Sky 2 program and features extensive use of composites in the airframe; a box wing that houses drive shafts to two pusher propellers; low drag hub, pylon, and nacelles; a 3D-optimised rotor blade design; and an engine installation that includes a new main gear box, propeller gearboxes, and supercritical shafts.

The aircraft will be powered by twin Safran Aneto-1X engines which also can be flown in “eco mode,” cruising on one engine while the other idles. The Racer is categorized as a “more electric aircraft,” with plans to eventually install a 270 VDC network, combining higher voltage with a lower-weight electrical system. The aircrafts's target maximum forward speed is 216 knots. 

Expert Opinion
False
Ads Enabled
True
Used in Print
False
Writer(s) - Credited
Mark Huber
Content Label
Rotorcraft
Publication Date (intermediate)
AIN Publication Date
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