X3 speed record - 10th anniversary

On 7 June 2023, the X3 demonstrator broke the speed record and pushed the limits for a helicopter by reaching 472 km/h (255 kt) in stabilised level flight at an altitude of about 10,000 feet (3,048 m). “The X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds,” explained test pilot Hervé Jammayrac. “At 472 km/h, the X3 ’s performance was identical to that achieved in its flight envelope, demonstrating exceptional stability and low vibration levels without the need for an anti-vibration system.” Insight gained from the X3 has been used to design the RACER (Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) high-speed hybrid demonstrator, which is being developed as part of the European Clean Sky 2 research project.