Eurocopter debuts X3 rotorcraft

Eurocopter is set to debut its brand new X3 rotorcraft at the Paris air show next week.

The new Eurocopter prototype combines the versatility of a helicopter, by way of vertical take-off and landing, with the higher speed of a plane.

Its debut will be the first time the aircraft is seen flying in public.

The BBC's Jorn Madslien got a preview of the aircraft and spoke to Eurocopter's chief technology officer Jean-Michel Billig who says the X3 rotorcraft is a "game changer".

This year's Paris Air Show will take place at Le Bourget exhibition centre on the outskirts of Paris from 20 to 26 June 2011.