X4 and the challenge of Eurocopter
You might be looking forward for the appearance of Eurocopter X3 and Sikorsky X2, but while you are waiting, you should also take into consideration another model called X4. This is also produced by Eurocopter and it represents a new generation of luxury helicopters.
Actually this new model has been intended to be the replacement model of EC 155 and AS365 Dauphin. You will have the possibility to fly one of these helicopters at the end of the year.
The CEO of Eurocopter promised that soon the market of corporate helicopters will be taken to a new level and that the company is working on a new way of flying. Nonetheless this leaves room for numerous different interpretations. Still at the moment we can say that the technology of speed flying has been taken to the iPad generation.
If we compare the new product to the Dauphin we will see that it comes with an increased payload and the performance is also better, not to mention that it is safer and although it isn’t entirely eco-friendly, it does less harm to the environment than the previous models.
At the moment there is a partnership between Eurocopter and Turbomeca, an engine maker and also with the company Daher, which is an aerostructures company. Also we have to note that the French government is supporting the project, and the more money they are willing to offer to the project, the better the end result will be.
Another thing that you should know about is that the company is thinking about using diesel engines in the lightweight helicopters, for the first time in history. Although this doesn’t make a helicopter ‘sexy’, we cannot deny that it would be a more than practical step. Looking forward for seeing and maybe actually using an X4?
