Eurocopter X³

{{Infobox aircraft begin

|name= X³

|image= file:Ila12 X3 0600 b1.jpg

|caption= Airbus Helicopters X³ in flight

}}{{Infobox aircraft type

|type= Experimental compound helicopter

|national origin= Multinational

|manufacturer= Eurocopter
Airbus Helicopters

|designer=

|first flight= 6 September 2010

|introduced=

|retired=

|status= Retired

|primary user=

|produced=

|number built= 1

|unit cost=

|developed from= Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
Eurocopter EC155

}}

The Eurocopter X³ (X-Cubed) is a retired experimental high-speed compound helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). A technology demonstration platform for "high-speed, long-range hybrid helicopter" or H³ concept, the X³ achieved {{convert|255|kn}} in level flight on 7 June 2013, setting an unofficial helicopter speed record.{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Eurocopter-s-X3-hybrid-helicopter-makes-aviation-history-in-achieving-a-speed-milestone-of-255-knots-during-level-flight_1046.html |title= Helicopters |contribution= Eurocopter's X³ hybrid helicopter makes aviation history in achieving a speed milestone of 255 knots during level flight |publisher= Airbus |type= press release |access-date= 26 May 2014 |archive-date= 27 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212324/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Eurocopter-s-X3-hybrid-helicopter-makes-aviation-history-in-achieving-a-speed-milestone-of-255-knots-during-level-flight_1046.html |url-status= dead }}.{{Citation |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/video/meet-the-world-s-fastest-helicopter-the-293-mph-x3-LdVgzJXcSmyIqKg5MXfjFg.html |publisher= Bloomberg |type= video |title= Meet the World's Fastest Helicopter: The 293-Mph X³ |date= 20 June 2013}}. In June 2014, it was placed in a French air museum in the village of Saint-Victoret.

Design and development

File:Eurocopter X3.jpg

=Technology=

The X³ demonstrator is based on the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter, with the addition of short span wings each fitted with a tractor propeller, having a different pitch to counter the torque effect of the main rotor."[http://www.sldinfo.com/an-update-on-the-x3-a-conversation-with-herve-jammayrac/ An Update on the X3: A Conversation with Hervé Jammayrac]" Second Line of Defense, 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2014.Erdos, Robert. "[http://www.verticalmag.com/features/features_article/21326-flying-the-future.html Flying the Future] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905230818/http://www.verticalmag.com/features/features_article/21326-flying-the-future.html |date=5 September 2014 }}" Vertical (Magazine), 10 August 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2014. Conventional helicopters use tail rotors to counter the torque effect.{{cite web|title= Eurocopter X³ (X Cubed) Experimental Compound Helicopter|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=880|publisher=Military Factory |date=17 July 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143108/http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=880 |archivedate= 13 April 2014|url-status=live}}. The tractor propellers are gear driven from the two main turboshaft engines which also drive the five-bladed main rotor system, taken from a Eurocopter EC155.

Test pilots describe the X³ flight as smooth,{{Citation |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKI7zKozoFs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SKI7zKozoFs |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title= Singing the X³'s praises |format= video |publisher= Airbus |type= press release |date= 26 June 2012 |access-date= 10 May 2014}}{{cbignore}}. but the X³ does not have passive or active anti-vibration systems and can fly without stability augmentation systems, unlike the Sikorsky X2.{{cite web|url= http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/news/inside-sikorskys-record-breaking-helicopter-tech |title= Inside Sikorsky's Speed-Record-Breaking Helicopter Technology |last= Goodier |first= Rob |date= 20 September 2010 |work= Popular Mechanics |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017115535/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/news/inside-sikorskys-record-breaking-helicopter-tech |archivedate= 17 October 2013}}. The helicopter is designed to prove the concept of a high-speed helicopter which depends on slowing the rotor speed (by 15%) to avoid drag from the advancing blade tip, and to avoid retreating blade stall by unloading the rotor while a small wing{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/ref/X3-Demonstrator_1099.html |title= Helicopters |contribution= The X³ concept |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 9 May 2014 |archive-date= 12 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221644/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/ref/X3-Demonstrator_1099.html |url-status= dead }}.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxhogYKwV7Y Video 1], {{Citation |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA7oqWXxGz0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/eA7oqWXxGz0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|type= video |title= 2 |date=26 September 2010 |at= 2 m 50 s |publisher= Airbus Helicopters |access-date= 9 May 2014 |format= Google You tube}}{{cbignore}}.{{Citation |last= Stephens |first= Ernie |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/Pilot-Report-The-Exciting-Experimental-Exceptional&thinspX3_76928.html |title= Pilot Report: The Exciting, Experimental, Exceptional X³ |newspaper= Rotor & Wing |date= 1 August 2012 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120915134252/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/Pilot-Report-The-Exciting-Experimental-Exceptional%26thinspX3_76928.html |archivedate= 15 September 2012 |url-status= dead}}. provides 40–80% lift instead.{{Citation |last= Nelms |first= Douglas |url= http://aviationweek.com/awin/aviation-week-flies-eurocopter-s-x3 |title= Aviation Week Flies Eurocopter's X³ |newspaper= Aviation Week & Space Technology |date= 9 July 2012 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140510151240/http://aviationweek.com/awin/aviation-week-flies-eurocopter-s-x3 |archivedate= 10 May 2014}}.{{Citation |last= Eshel |first= Noam |url= http://defense-update.com/20100906_x3_helicopter.html |title= Eurocopter Tests the X-Cubed, a New High-speed Hybrid Helicopter |newspaper= Defense Update |date= 6 September 2010 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131024050711/http://defense-update.com/20100906_x3_helicopter.html |archivedate= 24 October 2013}}.{{Citation |last= Norris |first= Guy |url= https://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/awst/2012/02/27/AW_02_27_2012_p34-428686.xml&headline=Eurocopter%20X-3%20Targets%20U.S.%20Market |title= Eurocopter X-3 Targets US Market |newspaper= Aviation Week |date= 28 February 2012 |access-date= 1 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. [http://www.jetbrokerseurope.com/news/23567.html Mirror] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143415/http://www.jetbrokerseurope.com/news/23567.html |date=13 April 2014 }}.

The X³ can hover with a pitch attitude between minus 10 and plus 15 degrees.{{Citation |last= Padfield |first= R Randall |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/eurocopter-x3-flies-intuitively-say-test-pilots |title= Eurocopter X³ 'Flies Intuitively,' Say Test Pilots |newspaper= AIN online |date= 3 August 2013 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130806235007/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/eurocopter-x3-flies-intuitively-say-test-pilots |archivedate= 6 August 2013}}. Its bank range is 40 degrees in hover, and is capable of flying at bank angles of 120 to 140 degrees.{{Citation |last= Parsons |first= Dan |newspaper= National defense magazine |url= http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=7c996cd7%2Dcbb4%2D4018%2Dbaf8%2D8825eada7aa2&ID=841 |title= Eurocopter's X³ Shows Old Designs Could Be The Future of Army Aviation}}.{{Citation |last= Gubisch |first= Michael |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-eurocopter39s-x3-restricted-by-us-regulations-374155 |title= Eurocopter's X³ restricted by US regulations |place= Farnborough |publisher= Flightglobal}}. During testing the aircraft demonstrated a rate of climb of 5,500 feet per minute and high-G turn rates of 2Gs at 210 knots.{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/13/idUS185773+13-Jul-2012+MW20120713 |title= Eurocopter's Revolutionary X³ Helicopter Continues Military Leg of Its US Tour |work= Reuters |date= 13 July 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164044/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/13/idUS185773+13-Jul-2012+MW20120713 |archive-date=14 July 2014}}.{{Citation |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/products/engines/Eurocopter-X3-Approaches-the-Sunset-of-its-Brief-Life_79527.html |title= Eurocopter X³ Approaches the Sunset of its Brief Life |newspaper= Aviation today |access-date= 26 May 2014 |archive-date= 14 July 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714132143/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/products/engines/Eurocopter-X3-Approaches-the-Sunset-of-its-Brief-Life_79527.html |url-status= dead }}.

=Performance=

File:Eurocopter X3 flying display at ILA Berlin Airshow 2012.ogv]]

The X³ first flew on 6 September 2010 from French Direction générale de l'armement facility at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base.{{Citation needed |date=July 2014}}

On 12 May 2011 the X³ demonstrated a speed of {{convert|232|kn|mph km/h}} while using less than 80 percent of available power.{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/The-Eurocopter-X3-hybrid-helicopter-exceeds-its-speed-challenge:-232-knots-%28430-km-h.%29-is-attained-in-level-stabilized-flight_776.html |contribution= The Eurocopter X³ hybrid helicopter exceeds its speed challenge: 232 knots (430 km/h) attained in level, stabilized flight |title= Eurocopter |publisher= Airbus helicopters |date= 16 May 2011 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archive-date= 12 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140512213535/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/The-Eurocopter-X3-hybrid-helicopter-exceeds-its-speed-challenge:-232-knots-%28430-km-h.%29-is-attained-in-level-stabilized-flight_776.html |url-status= dead }}.{{cite web |url= http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/press/Flight-testing-of-Eurocopter-s-X3-high-speed-hybrid-helicopter-demonstrator-marks-a-new-milestone-in-the-company-s-innovation-roadmap_719.html |title= Flight testing of Eurocopter's X³ high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator marks a new milestone in the company's innovation roadmap |date= 27 September 2010 |publisher= Eurocopter |access-date= 28 September 2010 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100929110255/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/press/Flight-testing-of-Eurocopter-s-X3-high-speed-hybrid-helicopter-demonstrator-marks-a-new-milestone-in-the-company-s-innovation-roadmap_719.html |archivedate= 29 September 2010}}{{Citation |trans-title= Eurocopter's hybrid helicopter X³ surpasses its attempted speed target: 232 knots (430 km/h) with a stable horizontal flight |url= http://www.pressebox.de/pressemeldungen/eurocopter-deutschland-gmbh/boxid/423639 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120911074801/http://www.pressebox.de/pressemeldungen/eurocopter-deutschland-gmbh/boxid/423639 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 11 September 2012 |title= Eurocopters Hybridhubschrauber X³ übertrifft sein angestrebtes Geschwindigkeitsziel: 232 Knoten (430 km/h) bei stabilem Horizontalflug |publisher= Presse Box |date= 16 May 2011 |access-date= 7 June 2011 |language= de }}{{cite web |title= L'Hélicoptère de démonstration X³ atteint les 430 km/h ! |trans-title= The demonstration helicopter X³ reaches 430 km/h! |url= http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2011/05/17/l-helicoptere-de-demonstration-x3-atteint-les-430km-h.html |newspaper= Avia News |publisher= 24 Heures |language= fr |access-date= 17 May 2011 |archive-date= 24 March 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120324050859/http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2011/05/17/l-helicoptere-de-demonstration-x3-atteint-les-430km-h.html |url-status= dead }}{{cite web|title=Le X³ d'Eurocopter a volé à 430 km/h |trans-title= Eurocopter's X³ flew at 430 km/h |url= http://www.opex360.com/2011/05/17/le-x3-deurocopter-a-vole-a-430-kmh/ |work= Zone Militaire |date= 17 May 2011 |publisher= Opex 360 |language= fr}}

In May 2012, it was announced that the Eurocopter X³ development team had received the American Helicopter Society's Howard Hughes Award for 2012.{{Citation |date= 3 May 2012 |url= http://www.airbus-group.com/airbusgroup/int/en/news/press.20120503_ec_x3_team_howard_hughes_award.html |title= Eurocopter's X Development Team wins Howard Hughes Award for Outstanding Improvement in Helicopter Technology |publisher= Airbus |type= press release |access-date= 26 May 2014 |archive-date= 28 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010352/http://www.airbus-group.com/airbusgroup/int/en/news/press.20120503_ec_x3_team_howard_hughes_award.html |url-status= dead }}.

Eurocopter demonstrated the X³ in the United States during the summer of 2012, the aircraft logging 55 flight hours, with a number of commercial and military operators being given the opportunity to fly the aircraft.{{cite web|first=Guy|last=Norris|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/awx/2012/02/12/awx_02_12_2012_p0-424261.xml&headline=Eurocopter%20Outlines%20Plans%20For%20X4%20Program&channel=busav|title=Eurocopter Outlines Plans For X4 Program|work=Aviation Week|date=14 February 2012|access-date=24 March 2012}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

With an aerodynamic fairing installed on the rotor head, the X³ demonstrated a speed of {{convert|255|kn|mph km/h}} in level flight and {{convert|263|kn|mph km/h}} in a shallow dive on 7 June 2013,{{Citation |last= Thivent |first= Viviane |url= http://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2013/06/10/le-x3-un-helico-a-472-km-h_3427392_1650684.html |title= Le X³, un hélico à 472 km/h |trans-title= The X³, a helicopter at 472 km/h |newspaper= Le Monde|date= 11 June 2013 |access-date= 10 May 2014}}.Paur, Jason. "[https://www.wired.com/autopia/2013/06/eurocopter-x3-speed-record/ X³ Helicopter Sets Speed Record at Nearly 300 MPH]" Wired, 11 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140331110528/http://www.wired.com/2013/06/eurocopter-x3-speed-record/ Archived] on 31 March 2014 beating the Sikorsky X2's unofficial record set in September 2010, and thus becoming the world's fastest non-jet augmented compound helicopter.

=Variants=

Eurocopter suggested that a production H³ application could appear as soon as 2020. The company had also previously expressed an interest in offering an H³ technology based solution for the United States' Future Vertical Lift program, with EADS North America submitting bid to build a technology demonstrator under the US Army's Joint Multi Role (JMR) program,{{Citation |last= Warwick |first= Graham |url= http://aviationweek.com/blog/eurocopters-x3-would-you-go-war-one |title= Eurocopter's X3 – Would You Go to War in One? |newspaper= Aviation Week & Space Technology |date= 30 July 2012 |access-date= 10 May 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140510152919/http://aviationweek.com/blog/eurocopters-x3-would-you-go-war-one |archivedate= 10 May 2014}}.{{Citation |last= Warwick |first= Graham |url= http://aviationweek.com/blog/eads-ie-eurocopter-bids-armys-jmr |title= EADS (ie Eurocopter) Bids for Army's JMR |newspaper= Aviation Week & Space Technology |date= 11 March 2013 |access-date= 17 June 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140513071344/http://aviationweek.com/blog/eads-ie-eurocopter-bids-armys-jmr |archivedate= 13 May 2014}}. but later withdrew due to costMajumdar, Dave. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cost-drove-eads-from-us-army-rotorcraft-demonstration-387037/ Cost drove EADS from US Army rotorcraft demonstration]" 13 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2014. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512214547/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cost-drove-eads-from-us-army-rotorcraft-demonstration-387037/ |date=12 May 2014 }} on 12 May 2014 and because Eurocopter might have to transfer X³ intellectual property to the US,{{Citation |url= http://aviationweek.com/defense/intellectual-property-concerns-swayed-eads-jmr-pullout |title= Intellectual Property Concerns Swayed EADS JMR Pullout |newspaper= Aviation Week & Space Technology |date= 24 June 2013 |access-date= 17 June 2014 |quote= Guillaume Faury said the company made the 'strategic decision' because it was concerned that it would have to transfer the intellectual property rights of the company's self-developed X³ technology to the US.}} and Eurocopter chose to focus on the Armed Aerial Scout instead.Warwick, Graham. "[http://aviationweek.com/defense/eads-withdraws-jmr-bid-focus-aas EADS Withdraws JMR Bid To Focus On AAS]" Aviation Week & Space Technology, 4 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2014. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617075558/http://aviationweek.com/defense/eads-withdraws-jmr-bid-focus-aas |date=17 June 2014 }}"[http://aviationweek.com/awin/eads-quits-helo-competition-pursue-uncertain-aas EADS Quits Helo Competition To Pursue Uncertain AAS]" Aviation Week & Space Technology, 10 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2014. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617092820/http://aviationweek.com/awin/eads-quits-helo-competition-pursue-uncertain-aas |date=17 June 2014 }} Ultimately the company was not downselected for the JMR effort,{{Citation |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-selects-bell-sikorskyboeing-team-for-jmr-demonstration-386742 |title= US Army selects Bell, Sikorsky/Boeing team for JMR demonstration |publisher= Flightglobal}}. and the AAS program was cancelled.McLeary, Paul. "[https://archive.today/20140119180011/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG02/301140036/Outgoing-General-US-Army-Must-Continue-Fund-Research-Development Outgoing General: US Army Must Continue To Fund Research and Development]" DefenseNews, 14 January 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.

Eurocopter saw the offshore oil market and Search and rescue community as potential customers for X³ technology. An X³-based unpressurised compound helicopter called LifeRCraft is also among the projects planned under the European Union's €4 billion ($5.44 billion) Clean Sky 2 research program as one of two high-speed rotorcraft flight demonstrators.Osborne, Tony. "[http://aviationweek.com/awin/eurocopter-ponders-x3-helicopter-s-next-steps Eurocopter Ponders X³ Helicopter’s Next Steps]" Aviation Week & Space Technology, 17 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2014. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513110212/http://aviationweek.com/awin/eurocopter-ponders-x3-helicopter-s-next-steps |date=13 May 2014 }} on 13 May 2014.{{Citation |url= http://www.cleansky.eu/sites/default/files/documents/events/20120720_-_cleansky2_outline_proposal.pdf |title= A Preliminary Programme Outline For Clean Sky 2 |date=July 2012 |publisher= Clean sky |place= EU}}. Size 2 MB.{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-08-03/european-commission-industry-launch-clean-sky-2 |title=European Commission, Industry Launch Clean Sky 2 |work=Aviation International News |first=Thierry |last=Dubois |date=3 August 2014 |access-date= 6 September 2014 }}"[http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/guide-appl/jti/h2020-guide-techprog-cleansky-ju_en.pdf 8.7 Compound Rotorcraft Demonstration (LifeRCraft) – WP2]" pages 302–375. Size: 747 pages, 23 MB. Clean Sky 2, 27 June 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014. Airbus began development of the hybrid composite helicopter with a 4.6-litre V-8 piston engine in 2014,Sailer, J. "[http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-to-design-new-compound-rotorcraft-demonstrator-in-the-frame-of-Clean-Sky-2-program_1182.html Airbus Helicopters to design new compound rotorcraft demonstrator in the frame of Clean Sky 2 program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726125545/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-to-design-new-compound-rotorcraft-demonstrator-in-the-frame-of-Clean-Sky-2-program_1182.html |date=26 July 2014 }}" Airbus PR, 16 July 2014. Retrieved 22 July 2014. froze the design in 2016 to start building in 2017,{{cite web|url= https://www.theengineer.co.uk/rethinking-rotorcraft-airbus-aims-for-speedy-helicopter/ |title=Rethinking rotorcraft: Airbus aims for speedy helicopter|work=The Engineer |first= Stuart |last=Nathan |date=13 January 2017 |access-date=14 January 2017|quote=design was frozen last summer ahead of its construction phase starting this year. Clean Sky 2 rotorcraft is classified as a hybrid helicopter.}} and had plans to fly it in 2019.{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainalerts/2014-07-22/airbus-helicopters-plans-follow-x3 |title=Airbus Helicopters Plans Follow-on to X3 |work=Aviation International News |first=Thierry |last=Dubois |date=22 July 2014 |access-date= 6 September 2014}}

The X³ was moved to Musée de l’air et de l’espace in 2014 for public display.{{Citation |url= http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AirbusHelicoptersX3makesitsnewhomeatFrancesnationalAirandSpa |title= Airbus Helicopters X³ makes its new home at France's national Air and Space museum |publisher= Airbus |type= press release |date= 19 June 2014 |access-date= 19 June 2014 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140619174417/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/AirbusHelicoptersX3makesitsnewhomeatFrancesnationalAirandSpa |archivedate= 19 June 2014}}.

==RACER==

File:Paris Air Show 2017 Airbus racer (cropped).jpg

The Airbus RACER (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) is a development revealed at the June 2017 Paris air show, final assembly was planned to start in 2019 for a 2020 first flight.

Cruising up to {{cvt|400|km/h|knots|0}}, it aims for a 25% cost reduction per distance over a conventional helicopter.

Specifications

File:Eurocopter X3 F-ZXXX ILA 2012 3.jpg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=FlightGlobal{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/23/322909/heli-expo-2009-rolls-royce-confirms-role-in-eurocopter-x3-programme.html |title=Heli-expo 2009: Rolls-Royce confirms role in Eurocopter X³ programme |first =John |last= Croft |date=23 February 2009 |publisher=Flightglobal |access-date=28 September 2010}}

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|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9a{{Citation |contribution-url= http://lebourget.safran-group.com/press/the-rtm322-shared-a-speed-record-with-x3 |contribution= The RTM322 shared a speed record with X³ |title= Le Bourget |publisher= Safran |access-date= 26 May 2014 |archive-date= 17 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141017140937/http://lebourget.safran-group.com/press/the-rtm322-shared-a-speed-record-with-x3 |url-status= dead }}.

|eng1 type=turboshaft engines

|eng1 kw=1,693

|prop blade number=5

|prop name=(two tractor propellers gear driven from main engines).

Main rotor: five-bladed from the Eurocopter EC155{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/ref/Characteristics_105.html |contribution= Airbus Helicopters Dauphin EC155 Characteristics |url= http://airbushelicoptersinc.com/products/ec155-specifications.asp |title= Specifications |publisher= Airbus Helicopters |access-date= 17 June 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714175221/http://airbushelicoptersinc.com/products/ec155-specifications.asp |archive-date= 14 July 2014 |url-status= dead }}.

|rot number=1

|rot dia m=12.6

|rot dia ft=

|rot dia in=

|rot area sqm=124.7

|rot area sqft=

|rot area note=

|max speed kts=255

|max speed note=at roughly {{convert|10000|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}

|cruise speed kmh=407

|cruise speed note=

|ceiling m=3,810

|climb rate ftmin=5,500

|climb rate note={{Citation |contribution= Eurocopter's revolutionary X³ helicopter begins military leg of its US tour |contribution-url= http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Eurocoptera-s-revolutionary-X3-helicopter-begins-military-leg-of-its-U.S.-tour_947.html |title= Helicopters |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 27 January 2014 |archive-date= 1 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201205334/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/Eurocoptera-s-revolutionary-X3-helicopter-begins-military-leg-of-its-U.S.-tour_947.html |url-status= dead }}.{{Citation |last= Dubois |first= Thierry |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/commercial/charter-management-airtaxi/Eurocopter-Launches-Dauphin-Replacement-Preps-for-X3_73966.html |title= Eurocopter Launches Dauphin Replacement; Preps for X³ |newspaper= Aviation Today |date= August 2011 |access-date= 31 March 2012 |archive-date= 13 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160513202627/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/commercial/charter-management-airtaxi/Eurocopter-Launches-Dauphin-Replacement-Preps-for-X3_73966.html |url-status= dead }}.{{Citation |last1= Dubois |first1= Thierry |last2= Huber |first2= Mark |url= http://www.ainonline.com/sites/ainonline.com/files/pdf/ain_new_rotorcraft2012.pdf |title= New Rotorcraft 2012 |newspaper= Aviation International |date= February 2012 |access-date= 31 March 2012 |archive-date= 9 June 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160609172627/http://www.ainonline.com/sites/ainonline.com/files/pdf/ain_new_rotorcraft2012.pdf |url-status= dead }}.

|more performance=

Tip speed: 0.91 Mach
Autorotation: 2,800 f.p.m

}}

References

External links

{{Citation |url= http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/X3-Event_1099.html |publisher= Eurocopter |title= X3 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930153410/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/X3-Event_1099.html |archivedate= 30 September 2010}}.
{{Citation |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/09/27/347852/pictures-eurocopter-unveils-high-speed-hybrid-helicopter.html |title= Pictures: Eurocopter unveils high-speed hybrid helicopter |publisher= Flightglobal |date= 27 September 2010}}.
{{Citation |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eurocopter-x3/eurocopter-unveils-new-look-helicopter-idUSTRE68Q3V820100927 |title= Eurocopter unveils new-look helicopter |date= 27 September 2010 |publisher= Reuters}}.
{{Citation |url= http://www.deagel.com/news/Eurocopter-High-speed-long-range-Hybrid-Helicopter-H3-Demonstrator-Makes-First-Flight_n000007850.aspx |title= Eurocopter High-speed, long-range Hybrid Helicopter H3 Demonstrator Makes First Flight |publisher= Deagel}}.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X_H7iwktC0 Video X³]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3w-xXzckTU Video X³, Cockpit]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u3ALEYCszk Making of]
{{Citation |url= https://patents.google.com/patent/US8070089 |publisher= Eurocopter |type= patent |id= US 8070089 B2 |title= Hybrid helicopter |first= Jean-Jacques |last= Ferrier}}.