Kawasaki Heavy Industries successfully conducted a flight test of the unmanned compound helicopter K-RACER at Taiki-cho Multi-purpose Aviation Park in Hokkaido.
source.image: kawasaki
In the technology demonstration using an unmanned helicopter, we aimed for high speeds that were not technically possible for conventional helicopters, and the test proved that stable flight was possible under autonomous control.
source.image: kawasaki
The test aircraft that has a distinctive configuration is called a compound helicopter. It has a main rotor (diameter: 4 m), and main wings and propellers on both sides instead of a tail rotor.
source.image: kawasaki
The left and right propellers counter the torque associated with the main rotor’s rotations and generate thrust to move the helicopter forward. In forward flight, the main wings share lift and reduce the load on the main rotor in order to achieve high-speed flight which is not possible for conventional helicopters.
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The test aircraft was developed by Aerospace Systems Company, and powered by the supercharged engine used in Kawasaki’s motorcycle Ninja H2R, under the technological cooperation with Motorcycle & Engine Company and the Corporate Technology Division.
source.image: kawasaki
The test aircraft was developed by Aerospace Systems Company, and powered by the supercharged engine used in Kawasaki’s motorcycle Ninja H2R, under the technological cooperation with Motorcycle & Engine Company and the Corporate Technology Division.
