Airbus engineers are working on an untypical helicopter of the future that will be able to fly at speeds up to 400 km / h. RACE (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) is a hybrid helicopter with several unique features. Thanks to them the machine will not only be one of the fastest in the world, but also extremely responsive and inexpensive in operation.
RACE uses a closed box-wing system. This technology and materials will make the helicopter feature excellent aerodynamic performance and low sound emissions.
Airbus has revealed that three rotors (two side and one main) will be powered by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines with 2270 horsepower (1,693 kW). The hull will be made of metal-composite material, and the engines will operate the start-stop system to save fuel.
The inspiration for building the RACE was the Eurocopter X3, which broke the speed record for helicopters, reaching over 470 km / h. Airbus is under construction of the first prototype machine. It is part of the Clean Sky 2 project, which aims to optimize air services. Financing the construction of the machine will cost $ 224 million.
Airbus plans to make its first RACER flight in 2020. The appearance of this machine in the sky will bring a lot of confusion on the slowly but progressively growing market of sky taxis. According to many technology specialists, the future of urban transport will be among others. Just for such machines.