Airbus Racer has reportedly reached a record-shattering record of 260 mph in its initial configuration during its seventh flight, as per the company's press release.
The Racer, which was created within the framework of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, reached 260 mph (227 knots) in its initial configuration, exceeding the 249 mph level speed target, according to a news statement issued by Airbus on July 23.
On June 21, the Racer accomplished this achievement, which came less than two months after its maiden flight.
(Photo : THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This picture taken on November 4, 2022 shows a fenestron tail rotor of a H120 helicopter on the site of Airbus Helicopters, the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus, in Dugny, northeastern suburbs of Paris.
The quick success of Airbus Helicopters, according to CEO Bruno Even, is a testament to the dedication of 40 partners across 13 European nations in bringing this invention to market.
The flight test team was made up of test flight engineer Christophe Skorlic, flight test engineer Dominique Fournier, and chief flight test pilot Hervé Jammayrac.
The next wave of flight testing will primarily focus on single-engine operations and the finalization of the flying envelope.
The Racer demonstration aims to optimize the trade-offs between mission performance, cost-effectiveness, and speed. It is designed to cruise at a speed greater than 249 mph.
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Airbus Racer Efficiency
In comparison to helicopters of the present generation operating in the identical maximum take-off weight category, the Racer also seeks to lower fuel consumption by around 20% thanks to aerodynamic optimization and an eco-mode propulsion system.
The hybrid-electrical eco-mode system, developed in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines, enables the pause of one of the two Aneto-1X engines during cruise flight, thereby mitigating carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, the Racer wants to show off how its unique construction may help reduce the operating acoustic footprint. While Airbus continues to make strides in its development, its Chinese rival, Comac is also looking to do the same.
Comac Plans Against Airbus
China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (Comac) has successfully launched the C919 narrowbody commercial aircraft, and now it is aiming even higher.
The state-owned company revealed plans for the C939 back in May 2024, a widebody aircraft designed specifically to compete with Western industry heavyweights Boeing and Airbus in the commercial aviation sector.
Construction on the C939, the third plane in Comac's line of domestically built airliners, has begun. Although some first drawings have been sketched, it will take a few years for these ideas to become a working prototype.
The C939's development demonstrates China's desire to gain a sizable portion of the highly advanced aviation sector that is now controlled by Western corporations.
Concurrently, Comac is making headway in the construction of the C929, an additional widebody plane meant for use on international routes. The project was once a joint venture with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, but due to geopolitical unrest, its future has remained unclear.
Even after Russia left the program, work on the C929 is still moving forward quickly, with the successful C919 design and development processes being followed closely.
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