Deformation after 2 ms, 4 ms and 6 ms after a bird-strike (from left to right) At 2017th Paris Airshow, Airbus Helicopters introduced a model of the new high-speed helicopter "Racer". The helicopter is designed for cruise speeds over 400 kilometres per hour (250 miles per hour). "Racer" stands for Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft, because it’s not only meant to fly fast, but also cost-effectively and safely. The model, which is being developed within the Clean Sky 2 research programme, is intended to take off as a technology testing system for the first time in 2020.
Until then, many European partners invest their expertise into the project. The DLR Institute for Structures and Design in Stuttgart contributes to the fact that the "Racer" is safe to fly even after a collision with birds. The DLR-BT and other partners are investigating how the cockpit windshields and the forward faced front section have to be designed so that they offer optimal sight conditions for the pilots and can withstand bird-strike. They analyse materials and structures by means of experienced simulation and test methods as well as modern equipment like a gas gun. The results from the simulations and tests by DLR and other partners serve as proof for the compliance with the airworthiness requirements. More information at http://www.cleansky.eu/