A New Era of Aviation Begins with the Airbus RACER
The Airbus RACER is more than just a prototype—it’s a symbol of Europe’s commitment to clean and sustainable aviation. With its sleek design and groundbreaking aerodynamics, this high-speed rotorcraft is redefining what helicopters can achieve. At the Paris Airshow in June 2025, engineers Brice Makinadjian and Stephane Deport watched as the RACER zipped over the crowd, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
The RACER, short for Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft, is designed to be faster, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than traditional helicopters. It combines the speed of an airplane with the agility of a rotorcraft, while reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% compared to conventional helicopters of the same weight category. This innovation marks a significant step forward in making aviation cleaner and more efficient.
The RACER’s development is rooted in the EU’s Clean Sky 2 programme (2014–2024), the largest research initiative for aviation in Europe. This public-private partnership between the European Commission and the aerospace industry funded the creation of cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aviation. The support from Clean Sky 2 enabled the incremental refinement of the RACER’s components—such as aerodynamics, engine integration, and rotor systems—before they were tested together in the final demonstrator built by Airbus.
“This partnership has been fundamental,” said Makinadjian. “We could not have done this without European collaboration and support.” Over 40 European companies and research organizations from 13 countries contributed to the project, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the RACER’s development.
The RACER is also part of Europe’s broader mission to make flying greener. Under the European Green Deal, the EU aims to become climate-neutral by 2050, with aviation playing a key role in this transition. The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy sets the goal of having zero-emission aircraft ready for market by 2035. This would be a major milestone toward climate-neutral aviation and a cleaner future for European skies.
Aviation is a critical sector for Europe’s economy, supporting 13.5 million jobs and contributing over €1 trillion annually. As Axel Krein, executive director at the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, pointed out, securing Europe’s aerospace leadership is essential. While Europe currently holds a 58% market share of new civil aircraft worldwide, global competition and geopolitical shifts pose challenges that must be addressed.
After over a decade of development, the RACER’s technologies could become a cornerstone of helicopter design in the coming years. Its sleek aerodynamic design and side-mounted lateral rotors allow it to cruise at over 440 km/h—more than 50% faster than regular helicopters. The reduced drag, which is 2.5 times lower than in other helicopters of the same weight, contributes significantly to its performance.
The main rotor was redesigned to increase stability, while two wings with lateral rotors provide forward thrust. This allows the RACER to function like an airplane during certain flight phases, making it a hybrid between a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. Another standout feature is the Eco Mode system, developed by Safran, which puts one of the two engines on standby during cruise flight. This reduces CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption by around 15%, while also increasing the helicopter’s range.
“Emergency response helicopters need to be fast and noise reduction is key to perform operations close to inhabited areas,” said Makinadjian. The RACER’s speed and efficiency make it ideal for emergency medical services and search and rescue operations.
A total of 40 partners collaborated on the RACER, including KLK Motorsport, a German SME known for high-performance mechanical engineering. Their expertise in lightweight structures and composite materials helped co-develop the RACER’s canopy, demonstrating how diverse industries can contribute to aerospace innovation.
The RACER prototype first took to the skies in April 2024 and has since logged around 35 hours of flight time. Tests continue at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in Marignane, near Marseille. Early results are promising, but engineers are still fine-tuning technical details. Despite their involvement in the design, Makinadjian and Deport have yet to fly in the RACER themselves.
For them, the project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “If you’re an aerospace engineer, this kind of project only comes along once in a lifetime,” said Makinadjian. “To go from nothing to seeing your design take flight—it’s magical.”
As the RACER continues its test flights, it is not just pushing the boundaries of rotorcraft speed—it is charting the course for a new era of more fuel-efficient, smarter aviation in Europe.
