Lets not downplay Eurocopter's achievement with the X3 which is far less complex than the Sikorsky X2 and therefore likely to be more affordable for the civil market.
But at the same time it is neither the" fastest helicopter" ( as it is a compound design) nor even the fastest compound helicopter....the Bell 533 went faster and all the claims so far are unofficial.
To make an official record one of these aircraft has to cover a measured distance in level flight witnessed by FAI representatives . So far there is no evidence that either the X3 or the X2 can sustain the high speeds to qualify ( The Bell 533 didn't either). Even if they do,they would have to be entered in the compound category,as was the Fairey Rotodyne which I believe still holds the official closed circuit record at 199mph. The true helicopter category requires the lift and propulsion to come through the rotor system,not aided by propellers or add on jet engines.That is why the Lynx still holds the official helicopter speed record.
P.S. The tilt rotor is yet another category!
Just thought someone should put the record straight.
Last edited by heli1; 13th Jun 2013 at 18:27.
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