The helicopter industry is a vital part of the aerospace sector, serving a diverse range of needs from military missions and emergency medical assistance to corporate travel and tourism. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global helicopter market reached approximately USD 21.7 billion in 2020 and is projected to hit USD 27.7 billion by 2027, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 3.5% between 2021 and 2027. So, naturally, one might ask: How Much Is A Helicopter?
Top Helicopter Manufacturers
Let’s explore some of the leading helicopter manufacturers in the world:
Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters stands as a leading global helicopter manufacturer, offering a wide array of models for various applications. Notable models include the H125, H135, H145, H160, and H225. Each model boasts unique technical specifications, load capacity, maximum speed, and range.
Bell Helicopters
Bell Helicopters, based in Fort Worth, Texas, brings over eight decades of experience to the helicopter manufacturing industry. Renowned models include the Bell 206 JetRanger, Bell 407, and Bell 429. The Bell 206 JetRanger, a predecessor to the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, is celebrated for its versatility, serving in passenger transport and pilot training roles.
Leonardo Helicopters
This Italian manufacturer specializes in twin-turbine helicopters for both civilian and military applications. Popular models include the AW119Kx, AW139, and AW169, which vary in payload capacity, range, and maximum speed.
Robinson Helicopter Company
Robinson Helicopter Company, an American manufacturer, concentrates on producing light helicopters for civilian use. Its most recognized models are the R22 and R44, often used by pilots early in their careers. These helicopters are known for their reliability, ease of maintenance, and low operating costs.
Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky, aiming to produce helicopters for both civil and military purposes, is known for models like the S-92, S-76, and UH-60 Black Hawk. Each model features unique characteristics in terms of payload, range, and top speed, meeting diverse customer needs from oil companies and air taxi services to executive transport and military operations.
Single vs. Twin Turbine Helicopters
Helicopters are generally classified into single-turbine and twin-turbine categories based on the number of engines. Twin-turbine helicopters offer advantages over single-turbine models, including the ability to continue operating in the event of an engine failure, enhancing safety. They also typically provide greater payload capacity, range, and speed. However, the increased complexity of twin-engine systems results in higher operational and maintenance costs compared to single-turbine helicopters.
Popular Helicopter Models
Here are some main helicopter models and their specifications:
Airbus Helicopters AS350-B3 (H125)
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 5 to 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engine: 1x Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft
- Power: 847 shp (634 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
- Endurance: 3.5 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 663 liters)
Airbus Helicopters H-135
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 6 to 8 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engines: 2x Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 Plus turboshaft
- Power: 2 x 690 shp (2 x 515 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 135 knots (250 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
- Endurance: 3.6 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 882 liters)
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 4 to 5 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engine: 1x Turbomeca Arrius 2R turboshaft
- Power: 504 shp (376 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 125 knots (232 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 135 knots (250 km/h)
- Endurance: 3.5 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 363 liters)
Bell 407
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce 250-C47 turboshaft
- Power: 813 shp (606 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 153 knots (283 km/h)
- Endurance: 3.5 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 416 liters)
Bell 429
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 7 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 turboshaft
- Power: 2 x 630 shp (2 x 470 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 175 knots (324 km/h)
- Endurance: 4 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 1,191 liters)
Leonardo AW109 Grand New
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft
- Power: 2 x 735 shp (2 x 548 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 157 knots (291 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 177 knots (327 km/h)
- Endurance: 4 hours (with a standard fuel tank of 764 liters)
Robinson R44
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 3 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engine: Lycoming O-540 in-line six-cylinder, air-cooled
- Power: 245 hp (183 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 110 knots (204 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 130 knots (240 km/h)
- Endurance: 3.5 hours (with a standard 246-liter fuel tank)
Robinson R66
Specifications:
- Capacity: Pilot plus 4 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
- Engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft
- Power: 300 hp (224 kW)
- Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
- Maximum flight speed: 152 knots (282 km/h)
- Endurance: 4.1 hours (with a standard 246-liter fuel tank)
*Note: Specific configurations may vary depending on the modifications and equipment installed on each helicopter.
Helicopter Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Engine | Power | Maximum Cruising Speed | Max Flight Speed | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H125 | pilot + 6 | Safran Arriel 2D | 952 shp (710 kW) | 140 knots (259 km/h) | 155 knots (287 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 775-liter tank) |
| H135 | pilot + 6 | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 | 634 shp (474 kW) | 143 knots (265 km/h) | 155 knots (287 km/h) | 3.4 hours (with 584-liter tank) |
| Bell 505 | pilot + 4 | Safran Arrius 2R | 504 shp (375 kW) | 125 knots (232 km/h) | 135 knots (250 km/h) | 3.3 hours (with 401-liter tank) |
| Bell 407 | pilot + 6 | Rolls-Royce 250-C47B/8 | 813 shp (606 kW) | 133 knots (246 km/h) | 153 knots (283 km/h) | 3.6 hours (with 416-liter tank) |
| Bell 429 | pilot + 7 | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 | 1,000 shp (746 kW) | 150 knots (278 km/h) | 175 knots (324 km/h) | 4.5 hours (with 573-liter tank) |
| AW109 Grand New | pilot + 6 | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C | 2 x 735 shp (2 x 548 kW) | 157 knots (291 km/h) | 177 knots (327 km/h) | 4 hours (with 764-liter tank) |
| R44 | pilot + 3 | Lycoming O-540 | 245 hp (183 kW) | 110 knots (204 km/h) | 130 knots (240 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 246-liter tank) |
| R66 | pilot + 4 | Rolls-Royce RR300 | 300 hp (224 kW) | 140 knots (259 km/h) | 130 knots (240 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 246-liter tank) |
Helicopter Cost Comparison
The following table provides a price comparison of helicopters in the US market as of 2018:
| Model | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| H125 | $3,900,000 |
| H135 | $6,200,000 |
| Bell 505 | $1,350,000 |
| Bell 407 | $3,800,000 |
| Bell 429 | $8,000,000 |
| AW109 Grand New | $7,000,000 |
| R44 | $500,000 |
| R66 | $1,200,000 |
Buying a Helicopter
Purchasing a helicopter is a significant investment, and understanding the various models, their specifications, and costs is essential. Whether for personal use, business operations, or specialized services, choosing the right helicopter involves careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Remember to factor in not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing operational and maintenance costs.
