Inside walkaround and a flying display of the High Speed Airbus Racer 10. June 2026 Berlin ILA

Racer is a high-speed helicopter demonstrator designed to provide substantial benefits to both citizens and operators through increased flight speed. Its straightforward, proven aerodynamic configuration is intended to deliver an optimal balance of speed, cost efficiency, and mission effectiveness. In addition to enhanced performance, Racer aims to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 25% compared with current-generation helicopters in the same maximum take-off weight class. This improvement is achieved through advanced aerodynamic optimization and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Racer builds on the achievements of Airbus Helicopters’ X3 demonstrator, which successfully validated an innovative aerodynamic configuration combining a conventional main rotor with lateral propulsive rotors. Designed to achieve a cruise speed exceeding 400 km/h, Racer incorporates several advanced technologies, including: A distinctive box-wing architecture optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. A lightweight hybrid metallic-composite airframe. A new high-voltage direct-current electrical generator. An innovative rear fuselage featuring an asymmetric cross-sectional profile, specifically designed to enhance hover performance while maintaining efficiency during forward and cruise flight. These innovations contribute to Racer’s objective of delivering higher speed, improved operational efficiency, and reduced environmental impact compared with conventional helicopters in the same weight category. Fuel Consumption Credentials The high-speed Racer rotorcraft demonstrator has exceeded one of its key performance objectives, achieving fuel savings of 25% while operating at speeds of 180 knots. This surpasses the programme’s original target of a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared with a conventional helicopter of similar weight. Analysis of data collected during 55 flight hours has confirmed the aircraft’s efficiency gains. According to Jérôme Geneix, Racer Programme Manager, fuel efficiency is a core objective of the project alongside high-speed performance. “Racer is not just about speed, but also about fuel consumption.” The latest achievement adds to a growing list of milestones for the aircraft, which first flew in April 2024. Since then, Racer has demonstrated speeds of up to 240 knots and achieved a climb to 10,000 feet in just 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Several of these capabilities are being showcased during the aircraft’s debut public flying displays at the airshow. Racer—an acronym for Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft—was developed with support from the European Union’s Clean Sky research and technology programme. The aircraft employs an innovative compound rotorcraft configuration, combining a conventional main rotor with two box-wing-mounted variable-pitch pusher propellers. These propellers provide asymmetric anti-torque control and symmetrical forward thrust, enabling significantly higher cruise speeds than traditional helicopters. The next phase of development will focus on the installation of an “eco-mode” system. This feature will allow one of the aircraft’s two Safran Aneto 1X engines to be shut down during cruise flight, delivering an additional 15% reduction in fuel consumption. More information about the Airbus Racer high-speed helicopter: https://www.airbus.com Stay tuned for more videos, showcasing in-depth views of individual helicopters. These videos will provide viewers with a closer, detailed look at the impressive helicopters and displays highlighted during the event. Any of my helicopter photographs are copyright by Frank Vorwerk / HTDI and are available for private / commercial use! Just drop me a line via Email, we make it possible. Email: [email protected] It is my aim to prepare a historical data sheet of any helicopters ever produced since 1946 till today, except for home builds and microlights. It includes the manufacturer's construction / serial number (MSN), current and past registration, type and upgrades of version, year of construction, current location, country, owner/operator, and operator's address/ contact details when wanted. To make this database comprehensive, I am always on the lookout for more helicopter enthusiasts worldwide hew will let me display their helicopter photographs including their names for copyright no matter of quality. In exchange for helicopter photographs, the photographer gets access to my helicopter database which contains more than 108.000 different helicopters. If interested, please send me an email. Helicopter database website: http://htdi-int.com/cur-list.html&l=en