The futuristic "Racer" rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters is on display in France. It is a prototype that combines the capabilities of an airplane with those of a rotary-wing aircraft. An experimental unit that combines traditional vertical rotors with two turboprop engines mounted horizontally on small wings. The goal of the project is to combine stability and speed.

"There are missions in which the quickest possible access to an area is vital. We often talk about the golden hour", that is that period of time in which the intervention can be vital, in fact "this helicopter shortens response times for missions critical issues such as search and rescue", explained Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. 

The value of the "Racer" project amounts to 200 million euros. In addition to providing medical assistance, such projects could also find military developments within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The "Racer" flew for the first time in April 2024 and seeks to offer new answers to the demands placed on the helicopters of the future. An aim shared by other manufacturers, as demonstrated by the Bell V-280 "Valor" and the Sikorsky X2.

On the same topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.