Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator made its first flight at Marignane, France, on 25 April 2024. The flight lasted about 30 minutes. Racer is an experimental compound helicopter—not a production aircraft—and its flight-test campaign is investigating whether a helicopter can combine vertical takeoff and landing with substantially faster cruise.
What is the Airbus Racer?
Racer stands for Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft. Developed as a research demonstrator within the European Clean Sky 2 program, it combines a conventional main rotor with fixed wings and lateral propellers. The main rotor enables vertical takeoff and landing, the wings provide lift in cruise, and the lateral propellers supply forward thrust. Airbus built on the compound-aircraft architecture it explored with its earlier X3 technology demonstrator. Airbus described the configuration and maiden flight.
The project explores a balance of speed, operating efficiency and mission performance. Airbus has cited emergency medical services, search and rescue, public services and commercial transportation as potential mission areas for the technology. Those are research applications, not evidence that Racer is in commercial service.
How fast has Racer flown?
The speed figures mark different points in the test campaign, and the earlier X3 record belongs to a different aircraft.
#1 Best Overall
- Innovative Design：Designed for Lego 42145,with this light kit, you can bring your Lego Airbus H175 Rescue Helicopter from dark to bright, make it come to life.
- Brilliant Crafts：On the premise of using safe and reliable materials, using different lights and hiding the lines can make the model display effect is more perfect. It is a great addition for model collectors who want to add more details to their sets.
- Simply Install：With a step-by-step instruction, you will find an easier way to enjoy the pleasant DIY process and make a huge upgrade to your favorite building kit.
- Warm Service：We always do our best to provide good quality products as well as excellent service to our customers. If you have difficulties with your product, please send us an email, we will help you solve the problem in time.
- Note: LED light included only.All LEGO sets showed in images and videos are not included.
| Aircraft and milestone | Speed or status | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Racer, initial configuration | 420 km/h (227 knots) | Airbus reported this speed on 21 June 2024, after seven flights and about nine flight-test hours. Airbus’s July 2024 update reported the milestone. |
| Racer, later campaign update | 440 km/h cruise speed; over 50 flight hours | Reported by Airbus in March 2026, alongside slope-landing, climb and high-speed maneuver demonstrations. These are manufacturer-reported figures. |
| Racer, stated objective | 407 km/h (220 knots) level speed | Airbus’s July 2024 objective; it also described a broader aim to optimize cruise speed above 400 km/h. |
| Airbus X3, earlier demonstrator | 472 km/h | Airbus says X3 reached this speed in 2013. It is not a Racer result. |
The June 2024 result exceeded Racer’s stated 407 km/h level-speed objective. Airbus’s March 2026 update reported a later 440 km/h cruise speed. The cited figures come from Airbus; the available reporting does not provide independent verification or a detailed comparative test method.
What does Airbus say about fuel efficiency?
Airbus’s early releases described a target of around 20% lower fuel consumption than current-generation helicopters in the same class or maximum-takeoff-weight category. The company attributed that goal to aerodynamic optimization and an Eco-Mode system developed with Safran Helicopter Engines. Eco-Mode is designed to place one of the aircraft’s two engines on standby during cruise.
Rank #2
- Model kit contain 75 pieces
- Model kits are designed for children aged 10 years and upwards
- After built it measures 14. 3 cm in length
In its March 2026 update, Airbus said Racer had demonstrated 25% less fuel burn than a conventional helicopter. Separately, it projected that Eco-Mode could deliver an additional 15% reduction at roughly 330 km/h cruise. Airbus said testing of Eco-Mode was planned for later in 2026, so that projected saving should not be read as a completed test result. The reported 25% comparison and projected 15% are distinct claims, not a verified combined saving.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the maiden flight means—and what it does not
The 25 April 2024 flight began Racer’s campaign to progressively expand the aircraft’s flight envelope and assess its high-speed capabilities. It was a research milestone, not the launch of a purchasable helicopter. Airbus’s subsequent speed and fuel-burn updates describe the demonstrator’s reported test progress; they do not establish performance for a production model or a commercial fleet.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Create this cornerstone of American military with this 139-piece model kit
- Kit features choice of outboard mini guns or rockets, two flight crew figures, separate doors, extensive detail, and two sets of decals
- Model scale 1:32
- Recommended for ages 12 years and older
- Paint and glue are sold separately
Rank #4
![ACA12127 1:35 Academy USMC AH-1Z Cobra 'Shark Mouth' [Model Building KIT]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n+69EWuVL._SL160_.jpg)
- This is a plastic model kit. Assembly and painting is required.
- Paint and glue is NOT included.
- Contains parts to build one of each model.
Rank #3
- [Newly designed assembly model]]The AH-64 helicopter model kit assembly model is based on the real AH-64 helicopter, and the classic features of the AH-64 helicopter are carefully restored from the appearance, such as the unique helicopter shape, exquisite spraying details, movable wheels and propellers, etc. The model perfectly demonstrates the modern technology of the military helicopter. And the texture is very good, making the AH-64 helicopter model look more refined.
- [Easy-to-use assembly experience]The AH-64 helicopter model kit parts are carefully designed and made with good compatibility and fit, and can be assembled without special tools. It comes with an assembly step-by-step diagram, so even beginners can easily get started. At the same time, the assembled model is also movable, the propeller can rotate 360 degrees freely, and the helicopter wheels can also move, giving you a more vivid display effect.
- [Product size and painting]The AH-64 military helicopter kit is restored according to the prototype ratio of 1:72, with a specific size of 23*23*7.5 and a weight of 0.146 pounds. The helicopter model assembly model is made of high-quality plastic material, which is not only sturdy and durable, but also not easy to oxidize and fade. The material is exquisite and lightweight, it has no sharp edges, and can effectively prevent the model from being damaged during assembly and play, which is safer.
- [Unique decoration and gift]The assembled AH-64 military helicopter model kit is not only a beautiful handicraft, but also can be used as a decoration and collection. It is very suitable for military enthusiasts to collect or give as a gift. For teenagers and children, the assembly process of this 1/72 AH-64 helicopter model can exercise hands-on ability. Whether you collect it yourself or share it with like-minded people, this AH-64 helicopter model can bring you endless fun and satisfaction.
- [Worry-free Purchase]The product contains tiny parts, be careful not to let children swallow them by mistake. The AH-64 helicopter model kit uses a hard carton as the outer packaging to better protect the helicopter from damage during transportation. We insist on strict production requirements to control the quality of this AH-64 military helicopter model to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the high-quality product. If you encounter any problems, please feel free to contact us!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
