A helicopter is a type of air transport that is used for both military and civilian purposes. The most advanced are military vehicles, which, in addition to excellent technical characteristics, differ in speed features.
Top 10 entered the fastest helicopters in the world in the history of aviation.
10. McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache | Speed 293 km / h
Mcdonnell Douglas Ah-64 Apache - The most common strike aircraft in the world, which also refers to the fastest. Its manufacturer is the Agusta / Westland company, on whose account not a single aircraft has the ability to boast excellent speed characteristics. The aircraft appeared in the mid 70-ies of the last century. It was then that the first test flight of this model took place. The maximum speed that Douglas AH-64 Apache is capable of developing is 293 km / h. Helicopter production continues to this day. In total, there are more than 2 thousand air units that are in service with many states, including the USA, Japan, the Netherlands and other countries.
9. KA-52 | Speed 300 km / h
KA-52 ranks ninth in the list of the fastest aircraft in the world. The aircraft, also known as the Alligator, was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by the Kamov Helicopter Plant. It is a modified model of the KA-50. The Alligator test took place in 1997. Then the helicopter showed maximum results —300 km / h. The production of aircraft of this type continues to this day. At the moment, there are about a hundred copies. All units are in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. In the near future it is planned to manufacture machines that will be put into export.
8. NHI NH90 | Speed 300 km / h
NHI NH90 - One of the fastest multi-purpose helicopters developed by Eurocopter in 1995. During the tests of the aircraft, 300 km / h were obtained. Today, the NHI NH90 is in operation and is in service with more than a dozen countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, etc. Today, the cost of one unit is about $ 45 million. Currently, Eurocopter, Agusta / Westland and Stork Fokker are involved in aircraft manufacturing.
7. AgustaWestland AW139 | Speed 310 km / h
AgustaWestland AW139 - The fastest aircraft developed by the Anglo-Italian company Agusta together with Bell Helicopters. The first test flight of an aircraft took place in 2001. Then the aircraft showed its maximum speed, which reached 310 km / h. The cruising speed of the vessel is capable of reaching 306 km / h. The cost of one AW139 unit today is about 30 million US dollars. The model also boasts of being one of the safest helicopters in the world. AgustaWestland AW139 is operated by many foreign countries, including Russia.
6. MI-24 | Speed 320 km / h
MI-24 - The fastest Soviet helicopter, created on the basis of MI-14. The first copy, as well as the subsequent ones, were assembled at the Moscow Helicopter Plant. The first flight took place in the fall of 1969. During experimental tests, the MI-24 showed excellent results, which amounted to 320 km / h. Subsequently, the model underwent many modifications and improvements in order to improve flight characteristics and operational features. Modified models are capable of accommodating up to 8 crew members and 4 wounded on a stretcher. Currently, MI-24 is operated in Russia, foreign countries and CIS countries.
5. KA-50 | Speed 390 km / h
KA-50 or "Black Shark" - the fastest Russian helicopter. The aircraft was developed in 1982. During tests with gentle boiling the aircraft developed a speed of 390 km / h. It was adopted by the Russian Federation in 1995, and its production continued until 2009. A total of 17 aircraft of this type were produced, which are still operated by the Russian Air Force. Subsequently, it was decided to replace the production of a single-seat helicopter with a two-seat modification KA-52.
4. Westland Lynx | Speed 400 km / h
Westland lynx - The fastest aircraft developed by the British company Westland in the second half of the 20th century. The multi-purpose aircraft at one time broke all records and was able to reach speeds of up to 400.8 km / h. Military transport ships of this type are still in operation. Westland Lynx took part in the Falkland, Iraqi and Libyan wars. Operated production units are not capable of boasting such flying characteristics as the first test model. The maximum speed at which they are capable is 260 km / h.
3. Sikorsky S-97 Raider | Speed 444 km / h
Sikorsky S-97 Raider - One of the fastest helicopters in the world. It was developed on the basis of its predecessor Sikorsky X2, and its first flight took place in 2015. The maximum speed that the military aircraft is capable of is 444 km / h, and its cruising speed with outboard weapons is 407 km / h. It is planned that this aircraft will be able to replace the American Bell OH-58 Kiowa reconnaissance helicopters. Unlike previous developed military aircraft, the S-97 Raider has the greatest endurance, maneuverability, and is also able to fly at high altitudes.
2. Sikorsky X2 | Speed 468 km / h
Sikorsky x2 located on the second line of the rating of the fastest aircraft in the world. It belongs to the experimental models of the American company Sikorsky Aircraft, the founder of which was Igor Sikorsky. The first tests of the vessel took place in 2008, during which some shortcomings in the design development were discovered. The advanced air engine completed its second flight two years later, setting a record of 468.6 km / h. Thus, Sikorsky was ahead of his former British record holder Westland Lynx. The weight of the Sikorsky X2 exceeds 3.5 tons. In 2011, Sikorsky's “career decline” occurred, which he managed to complete 23 flights over the entire time.
1. Eurocopter X3 | Speed 487 km / h
Eurocopter X3 - The fastest aircraft in the world, capable of developing unprecedented speed for this type of aircraft. Its absolute record is 487 km / h. It belongs to experimental models, and was developed several years ago by the Franco-German company Eurocopter. The hybrid model made its first flight in 2010, accelerating to 410 kilometers per hour. But then the creators of the air car managed to improve the performance of the Eurocopter X3, after which he managed to set his world record, ahead of the former winner of the Sikorsky X2 rating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooBICBDSC3c