Eurocopter Successfully Test a New Hybrid Helicopter

Eurocopter, the company that was set up in 1992 between a merger with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany and Aerospatiale-matra of France, has been successful in testing a helicopter that combines an electric motor and a turboshaft internal combustion engine, marking a new landmark in the company’s innovative thinking that will lead the way for further improvements in the safety of rotary-wing aircraft.

This breakthrough in the idea of the hybrid helicopter has come about by Eurocopter using the electrical system to improve the maneuverability of a single-engine helicopter while performing an autorotation landing. This type of landing is carried out by helicopter pilots if the main engine fails.

The prototype helicopter is a version of their successful single-engine AS350 that has a supplementary electric motor fitted. In the unlikely event that the main engine fails, the electric motor will kick in and allow the pilot to safely and easily control the aircraft during descent leading to a safe landing. Eurocopter hope to bring this concept to the production line and incorporate this idea to its later models.

The company said that they were constantly pushing the boundaries by increasing helicopter performance and safety and are very proud to bring the concept to fruition allowing a new generation of helicopters with a combined combustion and electric engines. The new system is an important step to improve helicopter safety as well as reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The electric motor has a lithium ion polymer battery which is fitted in the centre of the helicopter. The pilot controls allow for the accurate deployment of power during autorotation.

The AS350 is one of the company’s most successful models, with over 4,000 of them in service throughout the world with a combined total of over 1 million hours of flying time. The helicopter excels in very cold and very hot conditions as well as being able to operate at high altitudes. The AS350 holds the record for being the only helicopter to land on the top of Mount Everest.

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