X3 Helicopter Sets Speed Record At Nearly 300 MPH

[longknife]

By Jason Paur06.11.13 @ X3 Helicopter Sets Speed Record At Nearly 300 MPH | Autopia | Wired.com

Hervé Jammayrac knows fast.

The Eurocopter test pilot set a new speed record for helicopters last week, achieving 255 knots (293 mph) in the Eurocopter X3 hybrid. That easily eclipsed the benchmark Kevin Bredenbeck set in the experimental (and conincidentally named) Sirkorksy X2 a little more than two years ago.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds,” he said. “While flying at both 255 knots and 263 knots, the X3 performed exactly as it has throughout its flight envelope, exhibiting outstanding stability and providing a low vibration level without any anti-vibration system.”

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With all the problems we've had with the Osprey, I wonder if this isn't better technology.