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Having already surpassed the speed of a traditional helicopter, the next milestone for the demonstrator is the Step 2 phase at Eurocopter’s headquarters in Marignane, France, where the X3 will enter a second set of flight tests during which it is expected to reach sustained cruise speeds in excess of 220 kts. The X3 utilizes a Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter airframe. It is equipped with two turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This hybrid configuration creates an advanced transportation system that offers the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full hover flight capabilities of a helicopter. It is tailored to applications where operational costs, flight duration and mission success depend directly on the maximum cruising speed. The X3 combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. Eurocopter envisions a wide range of applications for this concept, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard duties, border patrol missions, passenger transportation and inter-city shuttle services. It could also be well-tailored for military missions in Special Forces’ operations, troop transportation, combat SAR and medical evacuation – benefitting from the hybrid aircraft’s combination of higher cruise speeds with excellent vertical takeoff/landing performance. For more information on the Eurocopter X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator discover the film illustrating this important X3 program milestone by connecting to either www.eurocopter.com or www.youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxhogYKwV7Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPYKktIdvoM&NR=1
Contributed by: Cecile Vion-Lanctuit & Scott Dodge NE Regional Technical Representative scott.dodge@eurocopterusa.com
Apple iPad 2 may soon replace paper charts in airplane cockpits On Feb. 1, the FAA granted the first approval for professional cockpit use of the iPad to Executive Jet Management. The company has made 250 flights as part of the certification process with maps and accessories created for the iPad by Jeppesen. The FAA has already granted approval for the use of “electronic flight bags,” or computers for aviation purposes. The move to allow iPads in cockpits stems from the popularity of the device, its wide acceptance by the aviation community and the increasing availability of aviation specific applications (apps). (Continued on page 15)
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If your travels take you to the W30th Street Heliport (KJRA) be aware that reported surface winds are between 90 degrees and as much as 180 degrees off the actual wind direction. There appears to be a calibration error with their anemometer. The heliport manager has been made aware of this anomaly.