New High-Speed, Sustainable Helicopter Concept Whirls into Air Show

High-speed helicopters don't have to be fuel-draining sound machines. A new rotorcraft

design was presented by Airbus Helicopters at the Paris Air Show this week, and Airbus claims it can reach a cruising speed of 250 mph (400 km/h) without a deafening roar or trade-off in sustainability.The new helicopter could reach speeds of nearly 250 mph (400 km/h), thanks to new technology and an advanced aerodynamic design. Credit: Airbus Helicopters-PAD The craft's rotors are also optimized to minimize noise, according to the German Aerospace Center, which helped Airbus Helicopters design the new helicopter. An "eco mode" will add to the helicopter's fuel efficiency. The option is still being tested by the engine manufacturer, but according to Airbus Helicopters, it would allow for an electrically powered "start and stop" of one engine in flight to save fuel and increase range. A low-weight body also adds to fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, according to Airbus. Construction of a demonstration Racer craft is expected to begin in 2019, with initial flight tests planned for the following year. Another aerospace advancement announced by Airbus this year is the Pop.Up, a "multimodal transportation concept." The futuristic passenger capsule concept could transform into different modes of transit, with attachable wheels for driving, propellers for flying or the ability to join a train-like transit system, such as the high-speed transit concept known as the Hyperloop. Original article on Live Science.