Helicopters

Helicopters are true all-rounders. They are used to rescue people from the most unusual situations; from mountains and deep ravines and even from the middle of the ocean. They transport soldiers and heavy equipment into the jungle or on to tiny islands. Helicopters can land in places that are otherwise completely inaccessible. The fact that they are extremely well suited to combat and can be controlled precisely make them an impressive asset in warfare. Their maneuverability is unique, their flexibility without parallel. Our experts have gathered together the crème de la crème of the skies for The Greatest Ever…Helicopters. But which chopper is your personal favorite?

Bell Jetranger Year 1966

Engine/power Allison Turbine 250-C20J, 420 SHP
Weight 1451 kg (max.)
Top speed 213 km/h
Capacity: 1 pilot, 4 passengers

Erickson Aircrane (Sikorsky CH-54B) Year 1964

Engine/power 2 Pratt & Whitney T73-70 turbine jets each with 4867 HP
Weight 21.318 kg (max.)
Top speed 202 km/h
Capacity: 3 passengers

BELL UH-1 ‘Huey’ Year 1961

Engine/power T53L-13 turboshaft, 1,400 SHP
Range approx. 500 km
Weight 4,315 kg (max.)
Top speed 220 km/h
Capacity: 3 passengers

Ecureuil 350 B2 Eurocopter Year 1977

Engine/power 1 x 732 SHP Turboméca Arriel 1D1 turboshaft
Range 670 km
Weight 2,250 kg (max.)
Top speed 246 km/h
Capacity: 6 seats

Westland Lynx (HMA Mk.8) Year 1977

Engine/power 2 Rolls-Royce 42-1 turboshafts each with 1,000 HP
Range 545 km
Weight 5,330 kg
Top speed 295 km/h
Capacity: 2 (up to 9 passengers)

Hughes Apache (AH-64A) Year 1982

Engine/power 2 General Electric T700-GE-701 turbines with 1696 HP
Range 422 km
Weight 9,525 kg
Top speed 296 km/h
Capacity: 2 seats

MIL Mi 24 Hind Year 1972

Engine/power 2 x TW 3-117 Mk. 3 gas turbines (2 x 1,545 kW)
Range 1,200 km
Weight 11,200 kg (max.)
Top speed 330 km/h
Capacity: 2 + 8 (passengers)

Sikorsky Sea King (VH-3A – VIP Transport) Year 1959

Engine/power 2 General Electric T58-GE-402 turboshafts, each with 1,500 SHP
Range 997 km
Weight 9,450 kg (max.)
Top speed 217.6 km/h
Capacity: 4 crew members

Piasecki H-21 Shawnee Year 1954

Engine/power 1 Curtiss-Wright R.1820-103, 1,445 HP
Range 450 km
Weight 6,950 kg (max.)
Top speed 210 km/h
Capacity: 2 crew members

V-22 Osprey Year 1996

Engine/power 2 Allison T406-AD-400 turbines, each with 6150 SHP
Range 954 km
Weight 15,032 kg (empty)
Top speed 510 km/h
Capacity: 2 crew members + 24