A new demonstrator from Airbus has recently performed its maiden flight on the 25th of April 2024, this time though we are not talking about an airplane, but a helicopter called RACER, the Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft.
RACER is part of the Clean Sky 2 Research Project from the European Union (EU), whose aim is to develop cleaner air transport technologies, reducing the environmental impact by reducing CO2, NOx, and noise emissions. This effort taken by the EU is part of their ambitious plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050. In this framework, RACER will burn 15% less fuel at a speed of 180 kts and, at cruise flight, it could reach savings up to 30% also reducing acoustic emissions.
With an innovative aerodynamical configuration which combines a traditional main rotor and, in addition, two lateral rotors, RACER can achieve speeds of up to 400 km/h during cruise. The configuration known as “compound rotorcraft” enables the helicopter to achieve higher maximum flight speeds by using auxiliary rotors and/or wings to alleviate loads on the rotor but with a high-power cost, and negative aerodynamic effect in hover and low speed due to interference. This compound concept was validated by Airbus with the Eurocopter X3 demonstrator. With RACER, this configuration is optimized by using a characteristic box-wing, a metallic-composite airframe, and an asymmetric cross-section in the rear fuselage to optimize hover.
The RACER demonstrator is a twin-engine helicopter, that also carries the innovative Safran Eco-Mode hybrid-electric system. This system allows to switch one of the two Aneto-1X engines to standby and to save more fuel while in cruise. This system is equivalent to a hybrid car, whose engine switches off in stationary traffic and restarts quickly when required. This also contributes to reducing acoustic emissions during cruise.
RACER will also have an increased payload capacity, high maneuverability, agility in vertical flight (with capability to land on unprepared surfaces), and capability to load/unload personnel or items during hover. With all the characteristics described above, RACER could fulfill missions, such as emergency medical services, search and rescue operation, commercial transportation, and public service.
Is this the kind of innovation we were waiting for helicopter air transport?