Fastest helicopters in the world- The world is full of some truly incredible machines that are designed for speed. Fast cars, fast boats, and even fast spaceships.
But what about the sky? Which helicopter can go the fastest? Well, this is a tough question to answer! But one helicopter that can definitely go the fastest is the AC-130.
This incredible machine can reach speeds of over 390 km/h (242 mph). To put that into perspective, that’s about three times faster than a cheetah!
Fastest helicopters in the world
These are the 10 Fastest Helicopters in the World
The world is full of amazing machines, from the fastest cars to the most powerful computers. But how fast are these things?
Is there any other mode of transportation that can match or surpass their speed? In this blog post, we will explore some of the fastest helicopters in the world. We hope you find it informative.
1. Westland Lynx
fastest helicopters in the world: Westland Lynx
To create a super-powerful helicopter, Britain’s Westland Helicopters joined forces with turbine specialist Rolls-Royce and the American company McDonnell Douglas (which later merged with Boeing).
The result was an aircraft that could fly at almost 400 km/h (249 MPH) – faster than most fixed-wing airplanes: the Lynx.
In the early 1970s, Westland-later called AgustaWestland-had already been developing a “high-speed” helicopter concept with Rolls-Royce since 1965.
In 1972, a contract was signed with the British Ministry of Defense to develop a new anti-tank helicopter capable of fulfilling an official requirement for “a low level, high speed, and maneuverability helicopter” and designated as the Lynx.
The first Lynx prototype, a modified Wessex fuselage with a new nose section, made its maiden flight on August 21, 1971. This was followed by two more prototypes which flew in 1972 and 1973.
Extensive testing showed that the basic design was sound, but further development was needed to increase the airspeed and altitude performance.
The first production Lynx, powered by two Rolls-Royce Gem 42 engines, made its maiden flight on March 21st, 1978. The helicopter entered service with the British Army in 1979 and with the Royal Navy in 1980.
Since then, over 700 Lynxes have been built for customers in more than 25 countries.
The Lynx has proven to be a highly versatile helicopter, serving in a wide range of roles, including anti-armor and anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, airborne battlefield command and control, and medical evacuation.
The latest version of the Lynx is the AH9A, which is currently in service with the British Army. It has been upgraded with an even more powerful engine, improved avionics, and new weapons to increase the aircraft’s anti-armor capability.
The Westland Lynx is also in service in Brazil (with 48) and Malaysia (5). The Brazilian Navy operates three helicopters for maritime surveillance in support of the Brazilian Antarctic Program.
The Malaysian Army operates six Lynx AH9A helicopters for battlefield reconnaissance and attack missions.
So, what is the fastest helicopter in the world? The answer is the Westland Lynx. With a top speed of 248 mph, it can outfly most fixed-wing airplanes.
Thanks to its powerful engine and versatile design, the Lynx remains in use in over 25 countries even to this day.
2. Sikorsky X2
Fastest helicopters in the world: sikorsky-x2
Joseph Scanlan, U.S. Army The United States Army Aviation Engineering Directorate (USAED) awarded a $110 million contract to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the demonstration of its X2 technology.
The goal of the program is to build a helicopter that can fly twice as fast as current helicopters.
Sikorsky Aircraft is confident that the X2 technology will not only make helicopters more agile, but also safer by reducing pilot fatigue.
Sikorsky Aircraft first unveiled the X2 technology in 2008. The technology features a coaxial rotor system and a pusher propeller.
Coaxial rotors are two rotors that are mounted one on top of the other, while a pusher propeller is mounted at the back of the aircraft to push it forward.
The X2 technology has already been successfully demonstrated in a number of flight tests. A modified S-76 helicopter, called the Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QST) demonstrator, completed its first flight on August 26th at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, FL.
The aircraft flew at 255 KNOTS (roughly 293 MPH), setting a record for helicopters.
The project is currently in phase two of its program. Phase one consisted of building and flying the QST demonstrator aircraft, while phase two will consist of building an experimental version of the X2 Technology, called the Sikorsky X2, which should be ready for flight testing in 2011.
3. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Fastest helicopters in the world: Sikorsky UH 60 Black Hawk
The Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk is a medium-lift utility helicopter. Its design, based on the Boeing Model 234, was also used for the Bell UH-1N Twin Huey.
It’s one of the most widely used helicopters in the world and it’s been exported to at least 18 countries including Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
The Black Hawk is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. This gives it a top speed of 222 MPH (357 KM/H), making it the fastest helicopter in the world. It can also carry up to 11 passengers or 2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) of cargo.
The Black Hawk first entered service in 1979, and the A model was retired from active duty in 2014 after 30 years of service. The UH-60L, an upgraded version with a better range and an increased payload, is still in production.
It’s used by the US Army, Navy (including the US Marine Corps), Air Force, and Coast Guard. The Black Hawk has also been exported to other militaries, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
The Black Hawk is a highly versatile helicopter and has been used for a variety of missions, including troop transport, medevac, search and rescue, and combat assault.
It’s also been used in disaster relief operations such as the earthquake in Haiti and the hurricane in Puerto Rico.
With its speed, payload capacity, and survivability, the Black Hawk is well suited for a variety of missions, both military and civilian.
4. MI-35M (Hind E)
Fastest helicopters in the world: MI-35M (Hind E)
The Mi-35M was unveiled at the Russian Helicopters holding company’s booth at the 2005 MAKS Air Show and formed a separate helicopter model class.
For more than ten years, there has been continuous development of this model for foreign customers. In 2011, Russia supplied its first MI-35M helicopter to an Asian country, and later, the updated version was delivered to another Asian country.
The United Arab Emirates became the first foreign customer of the Mi-35M. At present, assemblies produced by Russian Helicopters are installed on ten MI-35Ms supplied to Algeria.
The helicopter’s unique flight and technical characteristics also attracted the attention of the Syrian government during that country’s civil war.
The Russian Helicopters holding company announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of 24 MI-35M helicopters to Syria in late 2015.
The Mi-35M is rightfully considered one of the world’s fastest and most powerful military helicopters.
It is equipped with the latest avionics and can carry out a wide range of combat missions, including escort and anti-armor, fire support, and landing operations.
The Mi-35M’s armor protects the crew from small arms, shell fragments, and other projectiles.
The helicopter is able to carry out a variety of missions even if one engine fails during flight. In addition, its airframe is reinforced to withstand critical loads at any speed in a high-altitude environment.
The Mi-35M is the only modern Russian military transport helicopter that can be used for both transport and combat operations.
It has proven its worth in real combat conditions, performing at a high level in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The new Mi-35M helicopter is a further development of the legendary Mi-24. The Mi-35M is a powerful, highly maneuverable single-rotor helicopter based on the combat-proven Mi-24 model.
The new generation Mi-35M belongs to the class of heavy transport helicopters designed for transporting cargo inside the cabin and on an external sling up to 4 tons in weight.
In addition to transporting loads, the helicopter is capable of performing combat missions, including engaging ground and air targets.
The Mi-35M’s flight performance characteristics are much better than those of its predecessor, the Mi-24.
The main difference is the use of new engines and an updated transmission system that provide a significant increase in power and speed.
The Mi-35M is also fitted with completely new avionics, including a digital cockpit and advanced navigation and communications systems.
The new helicopter has proved its worth in real combat conditions, performing at a high level in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The Mi-35M’s unique flight and technical characteristics also attracted the attention of the Syrian government during that country’s civil war.
The Russian Helicopters holding company announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of 24 MI-35M helicopters to Syria in late 2015.
5. MI-28N “Night Hunter”
Fastest helicopters in the world: MI-28N “Night Hunter”
The MI-28N “Night Hunter” is a Russian-made attack helicopter that is considered to be one of the fastest in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, making it a formidable weapon against enemy forces.
The MI-28N was first introduced in 2006 and has since become one of the most well-known attack helicopters in Russia.
It was initially developed in response to the US military’s use of the AH-64 Apache in attacks on Russian forces during the First Chechen War.
The helicopter has two very powerful engines that allow it to reach speeds of up to 300 kph.
Meanwhile, its weapons include a 30-mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, and rockets. It can also be equipped with a variety of other weapons depending on the mission requirements.
The MI-28N has been extensively used by the Russian military in both combat and training operations. It has also been exported to a number of other countries, including Iraq and Syria.
Last year, the Night Hunter set a world record for its class when it reached speeds of up to 304 kph. The helicopter was also recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin at an awards ceremony in March 2017.
Today we are witnessing a presentation by the Mi-28 pilots who have just broken the record in their class.
They set a new world record by flying at speeds of up to 304 kilometers per hour. This is an excellent result, “Putin said during the ceremony.
The MI-28N “Night Hunter” is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most lethal attack helicopters in the world.
It has been extensively used by the Russian military in both combat and training operations, and has also been exported to a number of other countries.
With its high speed and powerful weapons, the Night Hunter is capable of taking on any enemy force.
6. Kamov KA-52 “Alligator”
Fastest helicopters in the world: Kamov KA-52 “Alligator”
The Kamov KA-52 “Alligator” is a Russian-built co-axial helicopter that is known for its speed and agility. It can reach speeds of up to 299 KM/H (186 MPH), making it one of the fastest helicopters in the world.
The KA-52 was first introduced in 1994 and serves as the primary attack helicopter in several countries. It is currently used in Russia, France, India, and Egypt.
The “Alligator” is one of the most maneuverable co-axial helicopters ever built thanks to its two contra-rotating rotor blades. The reason for the twin rotors is that it allows an aircraft of the “Alligator’s” size to stay more agile than with a single rotor.
The helicopter also has great speed thanks to its two Klimov TV7-117 engines, which provide 2,200 horsepower each. Each engine is located on either side of the cockpit and features its own fuel tanks that hold 430 lbs of fuel each.
The KA-52 has a crew capacity of two and can hold up to eight passengers when in its transport role. It also features stub wings that allow for anti-tank missiles, bombs, rockets, or additional fuel to be attached under the wings.
Due to its great speed and agility, it is an extremely formidable helicopter when in combat. However, this has not stopped the KA-52 from experiencing losses during wartime.
Since 2012, there have been over 20 recorded crashes involving the KA-52 across Russia and Egypt. There are two primary causes of these crashes: pilot error (43%) and technical problems (57%).
Despite its high number of crashes, the Kamov KA-52 “Alligator” is still considered to be one of the fastest and most agile helicopters in the world. It provides a great level of firepower and speed for any combat situation.
7. Eurocopter X3
Fastest helicopters in the world: Eurocopter X3
The Eurocopter X3 is currently the fastest helicopter in the world. The X3, sometimes referred to as “Hércules”, reached a record-breaking 260 knots (482 km/h) during an official test flight on November 23rd, 2010 at Lake Constance in Germany.
The X2 was considered the fastest before, with a previous speed record of 225 knots (408 km/h).
Eurocopter, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, has been developing the X3 since 2007. The project was initiated as a technology demonstrator for future high-speed civil helicopters.
The X3 is powered by three turboshaft engines, which allow it to reach its record-breaking speed. The aircraft has a conventional design with a tail rotor and can accommodate up to nine passengers.
Eurocopter is not the only company working on high-speed helicopters.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is currently developing the S-97 Raider which is scheduled to make its first flight in late 2014. The Raider is expected to have an operational speed of 275 knots.
8. CH-47F Chinook
Fastest helicopters in the world: CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook is the fastest helicopter in the world. It can travel at a top speed of 232 mph. This makes it a valuable asset for the military, as it can be used to quickly transport troops and equipment to strategic locations.
The Chinook was first introduced in 1962 and has been used by militaries around the world ever since. It is most notably used by the US Army and has even been featured in the movie Black Hawk Down.
The Chinook is known for its versatility and ability to travel at very fast speeds. This makes it a valuable asset for militaries around the world, especially during combat situations.
It can be used to transport troops and equipment to strategic locations very quickly, which can give the military a definite advantage in battle.
The Chinook is also very reliable and has been used in many different combat situations over the years. It is sure to continue serving the military well for many years to come.
9. Bell Boeing V22 Osprey
Fastest helicopters in the world: Bell Boeing V22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V22 Osprey is the fastest helicopter in the world. It can travel at speeds of up to 351 MPH, making it much faster than traditional helicopters.
The V22 Osprey is also more efficient, requiring less fuel to travel long distances. This makes it a popular choice for military and humanitarian missions.
The V-22 Osprey has been in use since 2007 and has been deployed in a number of conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
It has also been used for humanitarian missions, such as the relief effort following the Haitian earthquake of 2010. The V-22 Osprey is a versatile aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions.
10. AW-159 Lynx Wildcat
Fastest helicopters in the world: AW-159 Lynx Wildcat
The AW-159 Lynx Wildcat is the fastest helicopter in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 193 miles per hour, making it ideal for military and search and rescue missions.
The aircraft is also incredibly agile, allowing it to make quick turns and manoeuvres in even the tightest spaces.
The Lynx Wildcat was first developed in the early 2000s as a replacement for the older Lynx helicopters.
It was designed with speed and agility in mind, and quickly became one of the most popular helicopters in the world.
The Wildcat is currently used by militaries all over the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
The Lynx Wildcat is the perfect helicopter for any situation where speed is essential. It can easily outmaneuver its competition and get to the scene of an emergency quickly.
With its advanced navigation system and state-of-the-art engines, the Lynx Wildcat is ready to take on any challenge.
