UMBRAGROUP is proud to be a key player in Airbus Helicopters’ RACER (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) programme, providing advanced motion solutions for flap control on both the wings and the vertical stabilizer.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone in aerospace engineering, where precision, performance, and sustainability converge to push the boundaries of rotorcraft innovation.
RACER is a next-generation high-speed rotorcraft demonstrator designed to redefine performance standards for compound helicopters.
The programme set ambitious targets, including a cruise speed of 220 knots, later exceeded to reach 240 knots. Achieving this goal required highly reliable, lightweight, and precise motion control systems capable of operating under extreme aerodynamic and dynamic conditions.
UMBRAGROUP partnered with Airbus Helicopters to develop innovative actuation systems enabling precise control of wing-mounted flaps and the vertical stabilizer—critical elements for the aerodynamic configuration and overall performance of RACER.
A key outcome of the programme was the design of a rotary actuator based on ball screw technology, engineered to meet the stringent requirements of high-speed helicopter applications.
This solution, combining precision, reliability, and performance, earned UMBRAGROUP the Airbus Helicopters Innovation Award in 2022, further confirming its technical excellence.
The collaboration was showcased at the latest Paris Air Show, highlighting the importance of the partnership as a true driver of innovation for UMBRAGROUP.
Beyond component supply, UMBRAGROUP worked side by side with Airbus Helicopters’ teams from design through validation, adopting a multidisciplinary, system-level approach.
“Among all partnerships, I would like to highlight the fruitful collaboration we had with UMBRAGROUP. The actuators used to control the wing flaps and the vertical stabilizer are fundamental to our formula. Thanks to UMBRAGROUP, we were able to achieve the performance levels that allowed us to reach this speed.” Brice Makinadjian, RACER Demonstrator Chief Engineer, Airbus Helicopters
“The RACER project presented us with an exciting and complex engineering challenge. Developing motion solutions for a high-speed helicopter requires a multidisciplinary approach, balancing precision, reliability, and performance in an environment characterized by extreme dynamics. Our work on this project led to the development of an innovative rotary actuator and to winning the Airbus Helicopters Innovation Award.”
Nicola Borgarelli, Deputy Head of Aerospace Design EMEA, UMBRAGROUP
This partnership exemplifies how shared vision, trust, and technical excellence can accelerate innovation in the aerospace sector.
By deeply integrating with its customers’ teams, UMBRAGROUP reinforces its role as a strategic partner for motion solutions, capable of supporting the most advanced platforms from concept to flight demonstration.
UMBRAGROUP remains committed to working side by side with its partners to innovate, build, and lead the future of aviation—delivering solutions that are not only high‑performance, but also aligned with safety, efficiency, and sustainability goals.
Let's move motion technology together