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How about helicopter racing

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  • #1

    How about helicopter racing

    Helicopters have been reaching higher speeds in the last few years , so it might be interesting to have a race for these.
    Racing is good at pushing technology and as long as safety is maintained it would be interesting to see what could be achieved.
    Some helicopters are more like autogyros at speed so rules might be required to distinguish these into a separate class. Maybe vertical takeoff should be a requirement and maybe a rule to keep out the Osprey.
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  • #2
    Re: How about helicopter racing

    There used to be a helicopter race some years ago when the Phoenix 500 used to run. It was quite interesting. I talked to several of the pilots after the race, some were ex-military and Viet Nam Vets, and many said that it was the scariest thing they had done in a helicopter.

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    • #3
      Re: How about helicopter racing

      Like the vacuum cleaner lawn darts we have racing today, I will hide in a hanger if the choppers fly.

      I cringe at the thought.

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      • #4
        Re: How about helicopter racing

        Originally posted by Reno_Steve View Post
        Some helicopters are more like autogyros at speed so rules might be required to distinguish these into a separate class. Maybe vertical takeoff should be a requirement and maybe a rule to keep out the Osprey.
        Interesting. How much thrust do they benefit from the turbine exhaust?
        Maybe vent the exhaust to the side to negate any forward push.

        Make it like the T-6 class; piston only and just the rotor.

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        • #5
          Re: How about helicopter racing

          Originally posted by V1670 View Post
          Interesting. How much thrust do they benefit from the turbine exhaust?
          Maybe vent the exhaust to the side to negate any forward push.

          Make it like the T-6 class; piston only and just the rotor.
          Thrust from turbo prop engines are in the 15% range or less. Rough estimate naturally, and im only quoting from memory on the engines Ive worked on.

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          • #6
            Re: How about helicopter racing

            I was referring to the Sikorsky X2 (249mph) and the Eurocopter X3 (279.6mph) which have propellers.

            Page Not Found
            http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/08/sikorsky-x2-breaks-helicopter-speed-record/



            Eurocopter X3 hybrid sets new speed record of 430km/h, readies for next search and rescue mission
            http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/eurocopter-x3-hybrid-sets-new-speed-record-of-430kmh-readies-fo/
            See that chopper right there? That's the Eurocopter X3, and as of last week, it can cruise at more than half the speed of a commercial jet. Although the helicopter was striving to hit 220 knots, it actually blew past that milestone to maintain 232 knots (450 km or 279.6 miles per hour) in level, stabilized flight -- a new record for this aircraft. For the uninitiated, the X3 earns its "hybrid" moniker by combining two turboshaft engines that power five-blade main rotor system and two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings -- which, in layman's terms, allows it to hover like a helicopter should while reaching the kind of speeds you'd expect from a turboprop-powered aircraft. (And before you get too excited, yes, this one requires pilots.) While we love the idea of a high-speed joy ride for tourists, this thing will be used for long-distance search and rescue missions, along with border patrol, coast guard duties, offshore operations, passenger and troop transport, and medical evacuation. So no ride for you, but you can get your vicarious thrill anyway with a short, percussion-heavy video after the break.


            I dont think there would be a problem with 15% turbine thrust but you may need a separate class for such things as the Sikorsky X2 and the Eurocopter X3 .

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            • #7
              Re: How about helicopter racing

              that is cool, but prototypes wont make a race unless they are already in production and interest in racing them. Since only 1 of each exists, maybe be along time.....

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