Airbus Helicopters continues to progress with the development of its Racer (Rapid And Cost-Efficient Rotorcraft) technology demonstrator, funded by European Union’s H2020 framework through the Clean Sky 2 program, and aiming to provide the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, sustainability and mission performance.

After the validation of the demonstrator’s aerodynamic configuration last year, key subsystems have now successfully passed their preliminary design review (PDR) giving way to the launching of first components manufacture. Final assembly of the prototype is planned to start in Q4 2019.

First revealed at the Paris Airshow in 2017, the RACER aims to cruise speed of more than 400 kph (250 mph). The RACER is also looking to increase the helicopter's fuel efficiency.