🚀 Congratulations to a successful maiden flight!
It’s always amazing to see research in action. Take the high-speed helicopter RACER (short for Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft): Together with Airbus Helicopters, our scientists succeeded in developing a new manufacturing process in which the side shells are produced in a highly automated CFRP sandwich construction. The manufacturing process of the 3.4 x 1.5-meter shell segments, which form the rear right and left parts of the outer skin, is based on the so-called Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process. Although it weighs less, a CFRP component manufactured using this process is significantly more resilient than a comparable steel element. The lower weight thus enables lower fuel consumption. Thanks to the innovative manufacturing process, the helicopter is significantly lighter, more sustainable, and cost-effective.
The European Union is funding the project as part of the CleanSky 2 program. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future in aviation. Read more about the project: https://lnkd.in/eAcxt6yd
A Clean Sky 2 research project with 40 partners in 13 European countries.
Take a look at the first flight of the Racer demonstrator, a partnership between the EU and industry and a perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners work together.
The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behaviour of the aircraft. This important milestone launches the flight campaign which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high speed capabilities. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20% thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/ehMZHef8
#AirbusHelicopters #Racer #innovation #CleanAviation
Technical Editor at Flying Magazine
2moThat aircraft is on my bucket list to fly.