The already succesful EU Helicopter company EuroCopter (France, Germany, Spain, etc., united inside EADS) broke all High-Speed Records with its brand new "Hybrid" Helicopter "X3", which managed to fly Faster than 430 km per hour !
X3's "Hybrid Configuration creates an Advanced transportation system offering (at the same time) the Speed of a turboprop-powered Aircraft, and the full Hover-flight Capabilities of a Helicopter", able to make many manouvers, even on the spot.
Because "X3 utilizes a Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter airframe equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade Main Rotor system (at its Centre), and 2 Propellers .. installed on short-span fixed Wings" (See attached PHOTO)
"Benefitting from the Hybrid aircraft’s combination of higher cruise Speeds, with excellent Vertical Takeoff/Landing performance", EADS/EuroCopter "envisions a Wide range of Utilizations..., including Long-distance Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Coast guard duties, Border patrol missions, Passenger transport, Offshore operations and inter-City Shuttle services.
"It also could be well-tailored for Military missions, in Special forces Operations, Troop transport, Combat SAR and Medical evacuation", etc.
According to an official EADS' Press Release, "Eurocopter confirmed its position as the World’s number 1 Helicopter Manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.8 € Billions, orders for 346 new Helicopters and a 49 % Market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 %of the total Worldwide civil and parapublic Fleet".
