Helicopters are the most effective source used for logistics, combat, troop deployment and supplies. Be it war or rescue purposes, speed is a critical requirement for helicopters. Here we lists the top 10 fastest helicopters in the world.
The fastest military helicopter is the Eurocopter X3. This military helicopter is capable of flying at speeds of up to 487km/h. The X3 reached a level flight speed of 255 knots (472 km/h) over the south of France on June 7 2013. It also reached 263 knots (487 km/h) several days beforehand, achieved during a dive rather than level flight.
AH-64D Apache
The AH-64 Apache is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter for the U.S. Army. The helicopter, also one of the fastest helicopters in the world. It can attain a maximum speed of 284km/h in hot day conditions.
The AH-64 Apache
The AH-64D Apache is a four-blade, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The high-performance engines (maximum power of 1,890shp each engine) ensure the helicopter to reach a maximum altitude of 15,895ft (4,845m) at a rate of climb of 2,915ft/m.
Mil Mi-26 (Halo)
The Mi-26 is a heavy transport helicopter produced by Rosvertol’s aviation plant in Russia. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 295km/h, which makes it one of the world’s fastest helicopters. It is the largest and most powerful helicopter that can lift an airliner with remarkable ease.
Mil Mi-26 (Halo)
The Mi-26 is the world’s largest production helicopter equipped with two D-136 turbo-shaft engines (power of 11,400hp each). It achieves a maximum flight range of 800km with main fuel tanks and can fly at a maximum altitude of 4,600m (15,091ft).
Mi-28N Night Hunter
The Mil Mi-28 is a Russian all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter. It is dedicated attack helicopter designed to carry out search and destroy operations against tanks, armoured and un-armoured vehicles, and enemy personnel in combat, as well as low-speed airborne targets. The helicopter can attain maximum speed of 300km/h competing closely with the NH90 and Ka-52 Alligator helicopters, which offer the same speed.