The X3 hybrid helicopter, one of the highlights of the Paris Air Show last year, is in the midst of a month-long tour of the United States. Robbin Laird, defense consultant and owner of the Second Line of Defense website, saw the aircraft do its thing in Texas and he offers this appraisal of the high-speed helo. The aircraft is scheduled to perform demonstration flights with “guest pilots” in Huntsville, Ala. on July 9 at the Redstone Army Arsenal Airfield.

The launch of the tour was held at Eurocopter facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas. With the lieutenant governor of Texas and other political dignitaries present, the senior leadership of Eurocopter introduced the X3 to the United States. Keep reading →