Eurocopter has joined the speedy-helicopter club with its X3 technology demonstrator after flying 266 mph in a recent flight test. The company calls the X3 a hybrid helicopter because it combines a traditional rotor with a pair of propellers mounted on a wing.

The fast flight comes after Eurocopter made some changes to the X3’s gearbox, allowing it to use full power throughout the flight.

“The X3 handles extremely well” said company test pilot Herve Jammayrac, “demonstrating remarkable stability at high speed — even with the autopilot off.”

Eurocopter has been testing the handling characteristics and stability of the X3 and will continue to expand the flight envelope during 2011.

The new helicopter uses the fuselage from its popular Dauphin model. The twin-engine helicopter is heavily modified and includes the small wing with the two extra propellers mounted on the ends. Both the small propellers and the main rotor are powered by the twin turbine engines. The X3 also lacks a tail rotor.

Both Eurocopter and Sikorsky are investing heavily in fast helicopter designs. The Sikorsky X2 uses a different coaxial rotor design with a pusher prop and was able to set the record for helicopter flight with a 288-mph flight in September.

Both companies hope to market the fast-flying helicopters to a wide range of customers, including search-and-rescue, border patrol and the military.

 

Photo/Video: Eurocopter