Eurocopter's brand new X3 experimental aircraft made its maiden flight on September 6, 2010. 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.



Read the news article on reaching the program's step 1 in the flight tests:

http://www.nordicrotors.com/news/2010#63