When designing a helicopter, speed and efficiency are far more important than passenger comfort. Scientists and aeronautical engineers often spend years studying schemes to increase the speed of helicopters. If you are looking for a fast helicopter, which one would you recommend? Discover the answer below!
But first, what do you think of the world's fastest helicopter?
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the fastest helicopter in the world. It can fully transform from an airplane to a helicopter in just 12 seconds. The ability to take off, land and hover like a helicopter makes the V-22 Osprey the most versatile modern hybrid aircraft. With the impressive speed of 316 mph, he tops the list of the fastest of all time.
In this article, we're going to pick up speed as we continue downhill, so buckle up.
The speed of a helicopter is often a decisive criterion for its use. Rescue operations, transporting relief supplies and extinguishing forest fires all benefit greatly from the use of helicopters. They are used by militaries around the world for reconnaissance, transportation and other purposes.
It is true that the military uses the vast majority of the fastest helicopters in the world. With speed being the essence of the modern battlefield, militaries around the world are continually conducting studies aimed at developing faster helicopters.
A collection of the world's fastest helicopters is on display.
Index
18. Boeing AH-64 "Apache" – 293 km/h
One of the most recognized and recognizable military helicopters of all time is the Boeing AH-64 Apache. While not the fastest, it is one of the fastest. Its maximum flight speed is 182 mph (293 km/h), while its cruising speed is 161 mph (260 km/h). Some newer models can even increase this speed.
The US military is the primary user of Apache, which was first developed in the 1980s. In addition to participating in Operation Desert Storm, it has also participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo. She is known for her actions during the conflict with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
While not the fastest helicopter in the world, the Apache is still one of the most coveted models by militaries around the world. That's because his combat skills have a solid track record. According to Boeing, it will remain the best military helicopter well into the 2060s. Reliability is sometimes more important than speed.
| specifications | Boeing AH-64 „Apache“ |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 58 pés 2 pol. (17.73m) |
| Height: | 12 pés 8 pol. (3.87m) |
| Weight: | 5,165 kg (11,387 pounds) |
| Speed: | 293 km/h |
| Reach: | 476 km |
17. Miles Mi-26-183 mph (295 km/h)
Russia's largest helicopter is known as the Mi-26. So it comes as little surprise that the Mi-26 is still one of the fastest helicopters in the world, no matter how much weight it can carry.
Although the Mi-26 is almost 40 years old, it still has a large number of unfulfilled orders. Current Mi-26 users include many of the world's top military personnel, but there are also a number of civilian users.
The Mi-26 was built by Mil to carry a large payload. To achieve this, the Mi-26 had to generate much more thrust than other helicopters. The end result was very high speed as well as a large payload.
The Mi-26 can fly at 255 km/h carrying 90 troops or 20,000 kg of cargo. This helps make it one of the fastest helicopters in the sky!
| specifications | Mil Mi-26 |
| Technical team: | 5 |
| Grande: | 40,025 m (131 pes 4 in.) |
| Height: | 26 pés 9 pol. (8,145m) |
| Weight: | 28.200kg |
| Speed: | 295 km/h |
| Reach: | 310 mi (500 km) |
16. Sikorsky UH-60 „Black Hawk“ – 294 km/h
The Sikorsky UH-60, also known as the "Black Hawk", is one of the most well-known military helicopters in the world, even among laymen and aviation enthusiasts. It is also among the fastest, with a top cruising speed of 280 km/h (173 mph) and an overall top speed of 294 km/h (183 mph).
The movie Black Hawk Down, which revolves around a squadron of US Army Rangers whose Black Hawk helicopters are shot down in Somalia, brought the Sikorsky UH-60 to the general public's attention.
The Sikorsky UH-60 is one of the Army's most adaptable real helicopters.
| specifications | Sikorsky UH-60 “Black Hawk |
| Technical team: | 2 pilots and 2 gunners |
| Grande: | 64 pés 10 pol. (19.76m) |
| Height: | 16 pés 10 pol. (5.13m) |
| Weight: | 5,675 kg (12,511 pounds) |
| Speed: | 294 km/h |
| Reach: | 370 mi (590 km) |
15. NH Industries NH-90 – 186 mph (300 km/h)
The NH Industries NH-90 is hard to beat when it comes to versatility. Born from a partnership between several European weapons manufacturers, this helicopter can perform a wide range of tasks. With a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), it's also quite fast.
This medium speed helicopter can be used in a variety of roles such as: B. when transporting troops for the military or transporting cargo for commercial organizations. The two most common variants are the NATO Tactical Transport Helicopter and the NATO Frigate Helicopter.
As each customer can customize the machines, the NH-90 is even more customizable than it first appears. In fact, it can help with naval operations. Due to numerous military complaints about the helicopter's poor construction, versatility and speed are not compatible with reliability.
| specifications | NH Industries NH-90 |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 52 pés 11 pol. (16.13m) |
| climbing rate: | 1,6 km/min (8 m/s) |
| Weight: | 6,400 kg (14,110 pounds). |
| Speed: | 186 mph (300 km/h). |
| Reach: | 500 miles (800 km) |
14. AgustaWestland AW101 "Merlin" - 192 mph (309 km/h)
One of the fastest helicopters in the world was invented by the European company AgustaWestland, which is now a division of the Italian company Leonardo. The AW101, also known as "Merlin", is one of their military models and has a top speed of 309 km/h.
Other features of the AW101 make it a desirable helicopter for militaries around the world, as well as civilian organizations that require a reliable machine. It is spacious, with enough cabin space to carry cargo and troops, including weapons. It has state-of-the-art security features such as an integrated missile defense system.
The British Royal Navy, which suddenly realized in the 1980s that it was dependent on old and unreliable helicopters, is supported by the AW101. Decades later, they still consider this helicopter one of the most modern in existence.
| specifications | AgustaWestland AW101 „Merlin“ |
| Technical team: | 3-4 |
| Grande: | 19.53 m (64 ft 1 in.) |
| Height: | 21 pés 9 pol. (6.62m) |
| Weight: | 10.500kg |
| Speed: | 309 km/h |
| Reach: | 1.389 km |
13. AgustaWestland AW139 – 310 mph
Since the military will likely invest in developing faster helicopters and understand the urgency of flying fast, it makes sense that almost all of the helicopters on this list are military helicopters. However, the AgustaWestland AW139 stands out from the crowd. This passenger helicopter has a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h) and a cruising speed of 190 mph (306 km/h), which is only slightly slower.
The AW139 is popular for a variety of applications because of its speed and easy setup. It's a favorite among VIP transport planners because it's fast and accommodates up to 15 passengers. In situations where time is of the essence, such as B. in search and rescue operations and medical evacuations, it is used by civilian agencies.
AgustaWestland started developing military variants of the AW139 because it is such a reliable and fast machine that even the world's military coveted it.
| specifications | AgustaWestland AW139 |
| Technical team: | 1-2 |
| Grande: | 54 pés 8 pol. (16.66m) |
| Height: | 16 pés 4 pol. (4.98m) |
| Weight: | 6,400 kg (14,110 pounds) |
| Speed: | 310 km/h |
| Reach: | 659 miles (1,061 kilometers) |
12. Mil Mi-35 „Hind“ – 193 mph (310 km/h)
Among the world's fastest helicopters, the Mi-35 is one of many Russian alternatives to the UH-60. The Mi-35 is a modification of the popular Mil Mi-8, and Mikhail Mil personally worked on it shortly before his death.
The Mi-35 was developed by Mikhail Mil to serve a variety of very different purposes, including those of an attack helicopter, a troop ship and an attack helicopter, among others.
To fulfill all of these roles, whether it be carrying extra weight or outpacing other helicopters, Mil had to design the Mi-35 to generate a lot of thrust. This makes the Mi-35 incredibly fast!
In fact, the Mi-35 is the fastest model in the Russian military helicopter fleet. The Mi-35 was built by Mil to reach a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h), making it significantly faster than the Mi-26 and Mi-28.
| specifications | Mil Mi-35 "Rear" |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 57 pés 4 pol. (17.5m) |
| Height: | 21 pés 3 pol. (6.5m) |
| Weight: | 8,355 kg (18,420 pounds) |
| Speed: | 310 km/h |
| Reach: | 280 miles (450 km) |
11. AgustaWestland AW159 „Wildcat“ – 193 mph (311 km/h)
The AW159 Wildcat is another helicopter manufactured by AgustaWestland for the Royal Navy. Despite a typical top speed of 163 mph (263 km/h), some more modern models can reach top speeds of 193 mph (311 km/h).
The AW159 is a variant of the "Lynx", an older Westland helicopter. While the AW159 is more technologically advanced, the older helicopter is actually faster. It's heavier and a little bigger. In addition, it includes additional wartime protection, including armored armor and reinforced seats.
The South Korean Navy is one of the militaries using the AW159 alongside the British Royal Navy.
| specifications | AgustaWestland AW159 "Wildcat" |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 50 pes 0 pol. (15.24m) |
| Height: | 3.73 m (12 ft 3 in.) |
| Weight: | 3,300 kg (7,275 pounds) |
| Speed: | 311 km/h |
| Reach: | 777 km |
10. Kamov KA-52 „Jacara“ – 196 mph (315 km/h)
One of the fastest helicopters in the world, the second of Russia's two answers to the US Apache, it's also fast. The KA-52 was developed by Kamov as a long-range scout and attack helicopter.
Speed was therefore one of Kamov's most important considerations. As a result, Kamov used components from every helicopter it had manufactured up to that point, working in part with IAI to develop the KA-52.
The coaxial (twin) rotor, which was carried over from the KA-32 and gave the KA-52 one of the strangest aircraft designs, is the main component contributing to the KA-52's speed.
The KA-52 was built by Kamov to go 170 mph (270 km/h), but it can go at higher speeds if needed, up to 196 mph (315 km/h), but only for a short time, the than the Service life of the KA-52.
| specifications | Kamov KA-52 "Jacaré" |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 52 pés 6 pol. (16m) |
| Height: | 16 pés 2 pol. (4.93m) |
| Weight: | 7,700 kg (16,976 pounds) |
| Speed: | 315 km/h |
| Reach: | 545 km |
9. Boeing CH-47F „Chinook“ - 196 mph (315 km/h)
One of the fastest helicopters in the world, the Chinook could be the best in any Air Force fleet. The Chinook is one of only two aircraft that have been in production for over 50 years; Partly for this reason, the Chinook was used by both military and civilian operators, much like its Russian counterpart, the Mil Mi-26 (although the Soviets produced their own Chinook, the Yak 24).
The Chinook was built by Boeing (originally Vertol) to accommodate large payloads such as tanks, rovers and even other aircraft! As a result, the Chinook had to generate more thrust than any other helicopter!
As a result, the Chinook now travels at 188 mph (302 km/h). As with other helicopters, frequent use of the Chinook's top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph) will shorten its service life.
| specifications | Boeing CH-47F „Chinook“ |
| Technical team: | 3 |
| Grande: | 30m |
| Height: | 18 pés 11 pol. (5.77m) |
| Weight: | 11,148 kg (24,578 pounds) |
| Speed: | 315 km/h |
| Reach: | 460 miles (740 km) |
8. Mi-28 - 200 mph (320 km/h)
Another top of the line Mil helicopter, the Mi-28 moves at a slightly higher speed than the Mi-26. Although it has a top speed of around 320 km/h, for performance reasons it shouldn't fly that fast for long.
As the Soviet (and now Russian) military sought a countermeasure to the Apache's outrageous specifications, the design of the Mi-28 is remarkably similar to that of Boeing's Apache helicopter. There are many more Boeing Apaches in the world than Mil Mi-28s, although Mi-28s are marginally faster and less reliable in combat.
The Mil Mi-28N, also known as the "Night Hunter", is a well-known variant of the Mil Mi-28 that can change from day to night. Since modern warfare doesn't just happen during the day, this is very useful.
| specifications | Mil Mi-28 |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 55 pes 10 pol. (17.01m) |
| Height: | 12 pés 6 pol. (3.82m) |
| Weight: | 8,590 kg (18,938 pounds) |
| Speed: | 200 mph (320 km/h) |
| Reach: | 270 miles (435 km) |
7. Eurocopter EC155 - 201 mph (324 km/h)
The H155 was formerly known as the EC155, then the Eurocopter and finally the Airbus H155.
The H155 is a faster twin-engine helicopter that can be used for a variety of tasks such as: B. Law enforcement and private and business flying.
The well-known Dauphin family of civil helicopters has been updated with this five-tonne aircraft. Cruising speed is 300 km/h and top speed is 324 km/h.
Its Spheriflex main rotor head offers superior handling, stable flight and a smooth ride even at high speeds. Because the Fenestron's tail rotor is ducted, the H155 has a low noise signature and requires less maintenance.
Greater yaw control and increased safety in land operations, particularly in confined spaces, are achieved through the duct rotor concept.
The highly corrosion-resistant composites and lightweight alloys used to construct the airframe components ensure they meet mission requirements.
| specifications | Eurocopter EC155 |
| Technical team: | 1-2 |
| Grande: | 46 pés 11 pol. (14.3m) |
| Height: | 14 pés 3 pol. (4.35m) |
| Weight: | 2618 kg (5772 pounds) |
| Speed: | 201 mph (324 km/h) |
| Reach: | 857 km |
6. Westland Lynx – 201 mph (324 km/h)
The Westland Lynx was the first helicopter ever built, and its design eventually became the basis for the slightly slower AW159. In cruising, it can reach an average speed of 324 km/h.
The Westland Lynx once held the title of the world's fastest airliner, reaching speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 kilometers per hour). The record-breaking flight took place in 1986 and was ridden by an adapted version of the Lynx that could fly at speeds greater than those normally achieved. This new information does not change the fact that the Westland Lynx was once the fastest helicopter in the world.
Although the Westland Lynx was eventually decommissioned by the UK Royal Navy, for many years it was considered one of the best helicopters in the world.
| specifications | line de Westland |
| Technical team: | 2-3 |
| Grande: | 13.34 m (43 ft 9.25 in.) |
| Height: | 12 pes 0.5 pol. (3.67m) |
| Weight: | 7,225 pounds (3,277 kg) |
| Speed: | 201 mph (324 km/h) |
| Reach: | 528 km |
5. Airbus H160 - 202 mph (325 km/h)
Based on the EASA-certified H160, the H160M is the first of a new generation of faster helicopters.
It is extremely safe to fly and has a low operating cost. The H160M features the latest technological advances in French aviation.
The successor to the AS365 Dauphin is the next helicopter on the list. After all, The Dauphin has been around since 1975.
The H160 is available in a military version known as the 160M, which is the fastest civilian helicopter in the world. While the cruising speed is 178.3 mph (287 km/h), the top speed is 201.9 mph (325 km/h).
With the best production, the H160 is the world's first aircraft with electric landing gear and braking. Furthermore, the H160M offers the possibility to connect to a secure digital support environment.
| specifications | Airbus H160 |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Grande: | 13.96 m (45 ft 10 in.) |
| Height: | 16 pés 1 pol. (4.91m) |
| Weight: | 4,240 kg (9,348 pounds) |
| Speed: | 202 mph (325 km/h) |
| Reach: | 530 miles (850 km) |
4. Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin – 231 mph (372 km/h)
The SA 365/AS365 Dauphin 2 (Dolphin), a versatile twin-engine medium-duty helicopter from Eurocopter, is the fastest helicopter in the world.
The civil transport helicopter is the AS365 Dauphin, which set a world speed record of 231 mph (372 km/h) over a distance of 3 kilometers in 1991.
Interestingly, it is faster than the H160M, the fastest conventional military transport helicopter. Even in the world of helicopters, the Dauphin is second only to tiltrotor models.
One of the Dauphin's distinguishing features is its fenestron tail rotor. Since 1975, the helicopter has broken many records, including the fastest flight between London and Paris.
A prototype reached that speed at 200 mph (322 km/h). Few countries use military version of Dauphin which is also available.
Although the Dauphin has been modified by nations such as China to act as an attack helicopter, Pawan Hans of India has the largest civilian fleet of Dauphins.
| specifications | Eurocopter AS365 Delphin |
| Technical team: | 1-2 |
| Grande: | 45 pes 1 pol. (13.73m) |
| Height: | 4.06 m (13 ft 4 in.) |
| Weight: | 2,389 kg (5,267 pounds) |
| Speed: | 372 km/h |
| Reach: | 827 km |
3. Sikorsky X2 – 290 mph (460 km/h)
The Sikorsky X2 is the fastest helicopter in the world if we talk about traditional helicopters that have a similar design to the first helicopters. It's only fitting that the company that created the first helicopter also makes it the fastest!
The US military helicopter fleet is aging much faster than expected. To replace obsolete helicopters, the US military created the Future Vertical Lift program.
The Sikorsky X2 was the prototype aircraft that Sikorsky developed for this program. To reduce drag and increase speed, Sikorsky opted to use a coaxial (dual) rotor (similar to the Kamov 52) at the rear of the fuselage, along with a propeller.
The result was a flying prototype at 460 km/h. Boeing-Sikorsky SB-1 Defiant and Sikorsky S-97 Raider are the two main helicopters built from the Sikorsky X2 to date.
| specifications | Sikorsky X2 |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| Main rotor area: | 548 Quadratfuß (50,9 m2) |
| wing load: | 0.44 lb/square feet (2.1 kg/m2) |
| Weight: | 2404 kg (5300 pounds) |
| Speed: | 290 mph (460 km/h) |
| Reach: | 56 km |
2. Eurocopter X3 - 293 mph (472 km/h)
The X3 was developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) to be fitted to a new generation of fast helicopters that have yet to be unveiled!
The X3 defies the rules that apply to typical helicopters. The X3 decreased the number of revolutions per minute (by nearly 15%) rather than increasing the speed at which the rotor was turning.
The X3 was also equipped with two stabilizing propellers, one on each side of the fuselage. These propellers not only help stabilize the X3, they also increase speed and reduce drag.
The end result is that the X3 can cruise at a cruising speed of 253 mph (407 km/h) and a top speed of 293 mph (472 km/h). However, frequent flights at this speed will shorten the life of the X3.
| specifications | Eurocopter X3 |
| Technical team: | 2 |
| climbing rate: | 5,5 km/min (28 m/s) |
| Period: | 45 pes 10 pol. (13.97m) |
| Weight: | 5.200kg |
| Speed: | 293 mph (472 km/h) |
| Reach: | 395 miles (635 km) |
1. Bell Boeing V22 Osprey - 316 mph (509 km/h)
The V-22 is arguably the fastest helicopter available, even though it's not really a helicopter. Technically, the V-22 is a tiltrotor - a plane that can transform from plane to helicopter in just 12 seconds.
The V-22 was designed by Bell to hover, land and take off like a helicopter. However, it can technically fly like a helicopter while in flight and take off like a normal plane when needed.
Like an airplane, the V-22 flies at a constant speed of 351 mph (565 km/h). The top speed of the V-22 (as a helicopter) is 316 mph (509 km/h).
The USAF, USN, and USMC are the branches of the US military that primarily use the V-22. The Japanese armed forces also ordered the V-22. Although they crash much more often than other planes, many USMC pilots really want to fly the V-22.
| specifications | Bell Boeing V22 Osprey |
| Technical team: | 3-4 |
| Grande: | 57 pés 4 pol. (17.48m) |
| Period: | 45 pes 10 pol. (13.97m) |
| Weight: | 14,432 kg (31,818 pounds) |
| Speed: | 316 mph (509 km/h) |
| Reach: | 1.628 km |
final notes
So that was the list of the fastest helicopters in the world. The article talks about 18 of these helicopters with their details and specifications. I'm wondering which of the following was your favorite and why.
00voices
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FAQs
What is the fastest helicopter in the world 2023? ›
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the fastest helicopter in the world. In just 12 seconds, it can fully convert from an airplane into a helicopter. The ability to take off, land, and hover like a helicopter makes the V-22 Osprey the most versatile modern hybrid aircraft.
What is the world's fastest helicopter? ›Despite the added weight, Chinook remains the fastest rotorcraft in the Army fleet thanks to its tandem rotors, capable of carrying up to 55 soldiers long distances at a speed approaching 200 miles per hour.
What is the US military fastest helicopter? ›CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook is the world's fastest helicopter, with a top speed of 315 km/h. The Chinook is a multi-mission military helicopter manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
The CH-47F Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter is the fastest rotorcraft in the U.S. Army fleet, capable of transporting up to 55 soldiers to remote locations at a speed of nearly 200 miles per hour.
Can a helicopter go 300 mph? ›Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 34 seconds. Welcome to the second episode of Rotor Radio. It has been a decade since the first Sikorsky X2 coaxial helicopter shattered the rotorcraft world speed record by flying 250 knots (287 miles per hour), a feat accomplished with its innovative tail propulsor.
Is there a bulletproof helicopter? ›Are helicopters bulletproof? No, not even close. Helicopters can only carry so much weight and they do attempt to design parts that will take abuse, like main rotor blades that will take some pretty heavy ammunition hits and keep flying with holes shot thru them.
What is the most powerful helicopter? ›...
Mil Mi-26.
| Mi-26 | |
|---|---|
| National origin | Soviet Union/Russia |
| Manufacturer | Rostvertol |
| Design group | Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant |
| First flight | 14 December 1977 |
One of the most significant differences between planes and helicopter is the speed. Unsurprisingly, aeroplanes are a faster alternative to helicopters. This is because planes offer a better aerodynamic structure than helicopters, thanks to their powerful engines.
Which helicopter can fly the highest? ›What Is the Record for Highest Altitude in a Helicopter? The record for the highest altitude flight in a helicopter is 40,820 feet. It was set in 1972 by French aviator Jean Boulet while piloting an SA 315 Lama, which is a single-engine helicopter.
What is the US most advanced helicopter? ›Combat Proven.
From the AH-64A in 1984 to today's AH-64E Version 6 (v6), one thing about the Apache hasn't changed: its reputation as the world's most advanced and proven attack helicopter.
What is the most powerful US helicopter? ›
CH-53K King Stallion: U.S Military's most-powerful helicopter hits key milestone.
What is the US Army's newest helicopter? ›The U.S. Army chose Bell Textron's V-280 Valor as the future attack helicopter on Monday, Dec. 5. The aircraft can take off as a helicopter but rotate its rotors horizontally to create more speed.
What helicopter can lift a tank? ›Originally designed to be a military aircraft, the CH-47 can lift Humvees, cargo nets, cannons, boats, shipping containers, and even other aircraft in the most extreme environments.
Can a Chinook go upside down? ›No. The wing and propeller are combined in the main rotor. Upside down means going down.
Can a helicopter fly to Hawaii? ›We suggest that you book your helicopter flight prior to arrival in Hawaii. This assures you of a tour time that fits into your vacation plans. It's also wise to book your tour for the early part of your stay.
How many mph does a police helicopter go? ›The greatest benefit of helicopter patrol is the quick response time to emergencies. Our helicopter is capable of speeds up to 150 mph, which puts us first on the scene of a crime or emergency about 97% of the time.
Can a helicopter lift 500 tons? ›But just how much weight can a construction helicopter lift? Light utility helicopters frequently lift between 1,200 and 4,000 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum is the M-26–the world's largest heavy-lift helicopter–which is capable of transporting up to 44,000 pounds.
What is a ghost helicopter? ›The UH-80 Ghost Hawk is a BLUFOR medium-lift utility helicopter with stealth design. The Ghost Hawk was developed for special operations with a focus on deployment and extraction of troops undetected by enemy radar.
Can helicopters shoot down fighter jets? ›'A well equipped attack helicopter flown by a trained crew will defeat most fighter airplanes in 1v1 air combat, should the fighter be foolish enough to drop down to try and engage,' Nick Lappos, former U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot.
Do helicopters have guns? ›The advanced weapon system for Black Hawk® helicopters allows pilots to identify and engage static or moving targets with forward firing guns, rockets and laser-designated air-to-ground missiles.
What is the largest US helicopter? ›
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. As the Sikorsky S-80 it was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees.
Can a helicopter beat a jet? ›'A well equipped attack helicopter flown by a trained crew will defeat most fighter airplanes in 1v1 air combat, should the fighter be foolish enough to drop down to try and engage,' Nick Lappos, former U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot.
Are helicopters harder to fly? ›Is it easier to fly a helicopter or plane? Overall, flying an airplane is much easier than flying a helicopter, particularly for beginners, and there are a few reasons why.
Why can't helicopters go faster? ›The helicopter will run into what's known as flow separation boundary where it can no longer compensate for its unequal lift. That point comes at around 400 km/h (216.45 knots, 249.09 mph). With counter-rotating rotors, sometimes helicopters can go faster. But even they can only push against flow separation so much.
Is A Plane Safer Than A helicopter? ›The crash rate for general aircraft is 7.28 crashes per 100,000 hours of flight time. For helicopters, that number is 9.84 per 100,000 hours. That means helicopters have a 35 percent higher risk of crashing compared to airplanes.
Why can't helicopters fly to Everest? ›The top of Mount Everest is one-third of the sea level's atmospheric pressure. This level of air pressure is not convenient for helicopters to handle. The oxygen levels at the Everest base camp itself are at a 50% drop. The further up you go, the oxygen levels keep decreasing.
Can helicopter fly over Mount Everest? ›If you're wondering if a helicopter can fly to the top of Mount Everest, the answer is yes. It has been done before – but only once. In 2005, Didier DelSalle flew to the top of and even landed on the 8,848 m (29,030 ft) summit of Mount Everest.
Can a helicopter land on Mount Everest? ›Didier Delsalle (born May 6, 1957, in Aix-en-Provence, France) is a fighter pilot and helicopter test pilot. On May 14, 2005, he became the first (and only) person to land a helicopter, the Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel, on the 8,848 m (29,030 ft) summit of Mount Everest.
Has an Apache ever been shot down? ›28 January – An AH-64D Apache from 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is shot down by hostile fire during the Battle of Najaf, killing the two pilots. 25 January – An UH-60 Black Hawk is shot down by gunfire near Hit. All aboard survive the incident.
What is the scariest military helicopter? ›What is the scariest attack helicopter? The AH-64 Apache is the most lethal attack helicopter in United States history, and to this day it remains the front-line ground attack helicopter in the American arsenal.
What is the most famous helicopter? ›
The CH-47 Chinook is regarded by many as the world's most iconic helicopter. Dating all the way back to the Vietnam War, the unique tandem rotor design and engines allow this aircraft to fly with unmatched stability and speed, wherever it is called to go in the world.
What helicopter has 6 blades? ›The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the United States military.
What helicopter does the president use? ›Marine aviators flying Marine One do not wear regular flight suits during flights, but rather the Marine Blue Dress Charlie uniform. As a security measure, Marine One often flies in a group of as many as five identical helicopters. One helicopter carries the president, while the others serve as decoys.
What kind of helicopters does the FBI use? ›The HRT's Tactical Aviation Unit is staffed by FBI special agents. The Tactical Helicopter Unit, a sub-unit of the Tactical Aviation Unit, contains a variety of specially modified helicopters. These include military converted tactical Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks and tactically enhanced Bell 412s and Bell 407s.
Is there an air force 1 helicopter? ›The president uses the White Tops for short flights around Washington, D.C., within the United States, and even when visiting other countries. The helicopter is primarily used as the transportation between the White House and Andrews Air Force Base where the President boards Air Force One.
What helicopter Do Navy Seals use? ›The AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Venoms are fielded in Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, or HMLAs. Detachments from the HMLAs are deployed as part of Marine Expeditionary Units to support ship-based amphibious exercises and operations.
What is the U.S. Army replacing the Apache with? ›US Army selects V-280 Valor as replacement for Black Hawk and Apache. After years of testing and deliberation, the US Army has made the US$1.3-billion decision to select the Bell V-280 Valor tilt-rotor craft to replace the Army's 2,000 UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters and 1,200 AH-64 Apache assault helicopters.
Can a civilian own a Chinook? ›Driven by fleet modernization agendas and accumulating airframe time, the U.S. Government made the decision to liquidate older CH-47D models and invest in the upgrade to CH-47Fs and CH-47Gs. So, to explicitly answer the question, YES you can buy a CH-47 Chinook.
Does the Chinook have guns? ›Armament: two 7.62mm M134 Miniguns and one 7.62mm M60D machine gun.
What is the heaviest thing a Chinook can carry? ›With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D can carry heavy payloads internally and up to 26,000 lb (12,000 kg) (such as 40-foot or 12-metre containers) externally.
Can a helicopter lift a whale? ›
As for lifting it, the world's largest heavy-lift helicopters may technically be capable of raising the whale's weight, but the harnessing problems down at beach level would still apply. You can't simply roll a humpback onto a rescue stretcher.
What helicopter can land in water? ›An amphibious helicopter is a helicopter that is intended to land on and take off from both land and water.
Could a helicopter lift a pirate ship? ›A Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane is able to lift, at maximum, a load of about 10 tons. A single Skycrane would not even come close to being able to lift an empty carrack, let alone one that was laden with significant amounts of gold.
Why do military helicopters have a pole on the front? ›The grounding rod is used to dissipate the build up of static electricity on the helicopter so the soldiers who attach the loading slings won't be shocked. The soldiers are from A Company Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment Task Force 47 and the Chinook is attached to the 501st Aviation Battalion.
Can helicopters fly over the ocean? ›Did you know a helicopter first flew across the Atlantic ocean in 1952? That's an insane distance. While it's possible to fly such distances in a helicopter, that journey required a total of nine in-flight refuels.
What is a double helicopter called? ›Tandem-rotor helicopters have two large horizontal rotor assemblies mounted one in front of the other. Currently this configuration is mainly used for large cargo helicopters.
What is the oldest helicopter still flying? ›Air Greenland is the proud owner of the world's oldest operational helicopter – a nineteen-seater Sikorsky S-61. Well, in truth probably every component in the helicopter has been replaced multiple times in its history, aside from the fuselage.
How fast do new helicopters go? ›An average helicopter can reach a top speed of somewhere between 130 and 140 knots, which comes out to about 160 mph. The Eurocopter X3 can reach a top speed somewhere in the neighborhood of 267 mph (430 km/hr or 232 kts) in stable and level flight.
What age do helicopter pilots retire? ›"The Standard limits the privileges for pilots in single-pilot commercial air transport operations to 60 years of age, while extending that limit to 65 years of age for multi-pilot operations.
What is the biggest helicopter in history? ›The Mil V-12 (NATO reporting name: Homer), given the project number Izdeliye 65 ("Item 65"), is the largest helicopter ever built.
How many years does a helicopter last? ›
If the average lifespan of a heli-copter is at least 20 years, those in a VVIP fleet tend to turn over more frequently as owners appreciate the new avionics and interiors of the latest machines.
What is the heaviest a helicopter can carry? ›Light utility helicopters frequently lift between 1,200 and 4,000 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum is the M-26–the world's largest heavy-lift helicopter–which is capable of transporting up to 44,000 pounds. That's the equivalent of 11 midsize cars!
What is the U.S. military most lethal helicopter? ›CH-53K King Stallion, the most powerful helicopter in the U.S Department of Defense.
Can helicopters fly for 5 hours? ›In general, most helicopters can fly for an extended period of time or a significant distance before needing to stop or refuel. Typically, this equates to 2.5 to 5 hours on one tank of gas, which translates to a range of 320 to 640 km. Of course, not all helicopters are capable of this.
Can helicopters fly after dark? ›Helicopters can definitely be flown at night, even by ordinary Private Helicopter Pilots. Depending on the country you are living in, the pilot may need specific training and a night rating, although this is not the case everywhere.