Airbus Unveils Prototype of Half-Plane, Half-Helicopter

Airbus showcased a prototype that combines half an airplane and half a helicopter amid the race to produce faster models, intensifying competition in shaping the future of vertical aviation. The model, named "Racer," costs approximately 200 million euros (217 million dollars) and is a one-off prototype that integrates a traditional upper rotor with two front rotors in an attempt to balance stability and speed, as well as reduce response times during critical missions like search and rescue. Racer, which was flight tested for the first time in April away from cameras, was presented to an audience of 150 aviation executives, politicians, and representatives from the European Union at Airbus's helicopter base in Marignane, southern France. Airbus noted that Racer has a maximum speed of 220 knots (400 kilometers per hour), compared to the maximum speed of traditional helicopters, which is 140 knots.