Eurocopter, Sikorsky develop high-speed compounds
Eurocopter (Booth No.

Eurocopter (Booth No. 4637) and Sikorsky (Booth No. 2737) have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a high-speed compound helicopter, but using different configurations. Sikorsky’s X2 reached its target of 250 knots last September in West Palm Beach, Fla., and also met vibration and workload targets, according to the U.S. manufacturer. A few days later, Eurocopter unveiled its X3 (X cubed) in Istres, France, with a 220-knot speed goal.

Both the X2 and the X3 are taking advantage of 21st-century technology to develop the relatively old compound concept. Both claim to be less complex than a tiltrotor, and their main applications will likely be military and commercial, respectively.

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