Eurocopter’s X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator has delivered on the promise of pushing the frontiers in rotary-wing aviation by surpassing its original speed target of 220 kts, demonstrating the compound aircraft’s performance, capabilities and maturity.

The X3’s speed milestone was reached on May 12 during stable, level flight—with the hybrid demonstrator maintaining a true airspeed of 232 kts. (430 kmph) for several minutes. This occurred during only the third mission after a scheduled upgrade that integrated the X3’s definitive gearboxes, enabling it to operate at full power.

“Eurocopter’s teams have once again shown their ability to apply innovation as a cornerstone of our strategy in remaining the helicopter industry leader,” said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter’s President & CEO.