If it’s speed you are seeking, look no farther than the Airbus Rapid and Cost- Effective Rotorcraft (RACER). Last year Airbus began assembling the RACER demonstrator with the intention of first flight in 2023.
The helicopter was funded through a European government grant worth $227 million (200 million euros) called Clean Sky 2, which was a research initiative involving 13 European countries, 40 companies, and university partners.
The lightweight and fast civilian aircraft can be leveraged for many missions:
Airbus Shapes Future Tech with Flightlab and RACER
Over the last few months, Airbus Helicopters has been performing in-flight tests onboard its Flightlab, a platform- agnostic flying laboratory exclusively dedicated to maturing new technologies.
Flightlab’s purpose is to efficiently test technologies that could later benefit current helicopter models, as well as innovate new technology for future platforms like AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) and eVTOL. “Our DNA at Airbus is about innovation to bring value to our customers,” said Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters in North America.
One of the main focus areas for Flightlab has been the development and testing of the engine backup system (EBS), which utilizes an electric motor connected to the main gearbox that can provide electrical power for 30 seconds in the event of
engine failure. By giving the pilot extra time to react and maintain rotor speed, the engine backup system contributes to a safer and smoother autorotation maneuver to the ground.
Additionally, Airbus is working on the next generation of flight control systems. “Right now, we are in the process of testing a new flight control system with a double objective. On one side we want to further reduce pilot workload during sensitive flight phases, such as close to the ground. On the other side, we desire to simplify the human-machine interface with system commands similar to fly-by-wire,” Trapp said.
Airbus Helicopters also is utilizing Flightlab to pursue the testing of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies, as well as exploring autonomy and other technologies aimed at reducing helicopter sound levels or improving maintenance and flight safety.
• Search and rescue • • •
Commercial transportation Public service
Emergency medical support
Thanks to the innovative Safran Eco Mode hybrid-electrical system, which allows one of the two engines to be switched to stand by while in cruise, RACER will use 15% less fuel per nautical mile at 180 kts. Assembly began in Germany with a metallic and composite airframe, with the main structure being made from additive manufacturing.
The assembly in Marignane, France, is nearing completion with the engines ready to be installed as of this writing.
“We are very excited about RACER, as it’s basically a brand-new helicopter that will soon perform its first flight. The electrical power-on tests will take place before the end of this year,” Trapp said.
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