Airbus RACER

New orders are rolling in, buoyed by upticks in defense spending and increased demand from the public safety, air ambulance and energy sectors.

The airframer aims to prove the Racer’s eco mode, higher speeds and lower fuel burn during 2025.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even contends that helicopters and uncrewed aircraft systems are natural battlefield teammates.

In 2023, Airbus Helicopters booked 74 sales, representing 42% of the total orders placed across all corporate helicopter manufacturers in the year.

Initial flights suggest the rotorcraft will easily surpass fuel consumption and performance targets.

Airbus Helicopters test pilots are eagerly awaiting approval to begin higher-speed flights with the company’s Racer compound rotorcraft demonstrator.

The company is studying hybrid-electric helicopters, continuing its electric certification drive and pushing Dash 7 conversion for NASA’s flight demonstrator.

The manufacturer is aiming for a first flight of the high-speed rotorcraft demonstrator in late March or early April.

Airbus engineers say they are just weeks away from making the first flight of the company’s Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft.

Fast rotorcraft race to flight; Wing’s bigger package-carrier; Airbus tests fuel-cell system; and ZeroAvia develops hydrogen refueler.

Safran Helicopter Engines has validated the eco-mode hybrid propulsion system destined for Airbus’ Racer high-speed helicopter demonstrator.

After years of stagnation in the commercial helicopter market, the industry is seeing the first signals of a reawakening.