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(Image source: Eurocopter)
BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT
The record for the world's fastest helicopter speed has been broken for the first time in
a little more than two years.
The Eurocopter X3, a high-speed hybrid helicopter, officially made aviation history by reaching
293 miles per hour during a June 7 flight. (Via YouTube / EuroSon99)
The last time the record was broken was back in 2010, when the Sikorsky X2 copter managed
to fly 259 miles per hour during a test flight. (Via YouTube / CarjamRadio)
Before that, the fastest helicopter speed was held by a Westland Lynx that flew 249
miles per hour in 1986. (Via YouTube / xraysierra)
So just how do these helicopters reach such high speeds? Both the Eurocopter and the
Sikorsky were developed to explore new options for high-speed flight. The Eurocopter X3 uses
new and improved tractor propeller setup and rotor head fairing. (Via Popular Science)
These improvements reduce drag in the Eurocopter X3 and allow for extra speed without additional
power. (Via Aviation Week)
The Eurocopter X3's pilot didn't seem surprised by the copter's accomplishment. He told reporters,
"It's no exaggeration to say that the X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds." (Via
Wired)
The copter toured the U.S. in 2012, performing demonstrations for potential civil, military
and law enforcement operators. (Via Eurocopter)
The Eurocopter actually exceeded 300 miles per hour in descent, although that won't register
in the record books.
The chopper wars will soon take a break. Eurocopter X3 will be retired after making one last — static
— appearance at the Paris Air Show next week.