Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Reins In Innovation
Helicopter manufacturer forgoes advanced X4 cockpit, electric backup motor for singles.
When the X4 was announced it was planned to be radically different from any other helicopter. Airbus has since changed course and will offer the helicopter with the Helionix suite, said CEO Guillaume Faury.
When the X4 was announced it was planned to be radically different from any other helicopter. Airbus has since changed course and will offer the helicopter with the Helionix suite, said CEO Guillaume Faury.

Is the honeymoon over for Airbus Helicopters and big innovation? Despite the news that the company will build a successor to the X3 compound demonstrator by 2019 (see AIN, August, page 57), Guillaume Faury (who was appointed CEO 16 months ago) seems to have a more cautious approach than his predecessor, Lutz Bertling, and some signs suggest the OEM will scale back its forays into brave new territory.