Remember the groundbreaking X3 demonstrator by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopter)? We do know the status of this unofficial world’s fastest helicopter, but one thing for sure is, the concept lives on… as a radio control scale model and we have Alterbaum Premium Helicopter to thank.
Do not be fooled by its scale model status, though. Alterbaum Premium Helicopter Eurocopter X3 is 1:4.5 scale and massive by any RC standard. It measures 2.5 meters (8.5 feet) long, has a rotor diameter of 2.5 meters (8.5 feet), and weighs in at a hefty 35 kilograms (77 lbs). Bonkers.
It is a hybrid, much like its real-life counterpart, but not just because it has horizontal thrusters in place tail rotor.
While the real deal is powered by 2 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9a turboshaft engines which also powers the two tractor propellers, this RC model’s thrusters are turboprops driven separately by two Plettenberg HP_430_V63 3.6 KW motors. The 5-blade rotor is powered by a Jakadofsky Pro 6000, capable of 6.0 KW.
Special feature of this RC model is a two gyroscopes setup: one positive and one negative to balance the torque.
Now for the good news. The Alterbaum Premium Helicopter Eurocopter X3 is actually for sale. But for how much? About that… You have put in your request. Continue reading for a couple of flight videos.
Images: Alterbaum Premium Helicopter/YouTube (Digital RC)/YouTube (HeliChrissi RC).
