Top 5 Fastest Helicopters in the World
Helicopters are incredible machines that can reach amazing speeds. As aviation technology continues advancing, helicopter speed records keep getting broken. Today, some of the fastest helicopters in the world can reach speeds over 250 mph!
For anyone fascinated by rotary aircraft and cutting-edge aviation, the fastest helicopters on Earth are marvels of engineering.
I. What Are the Fastest Helicopters?
When looking at the top speeds, these helicopters represent the fastest ever flown:
1. Sikorsky X2
The Sikorsky X2 is currently the fastest helicopter in the world. This experimental compound helicopter by Sikorsky Aircraft reached a maximum speed of 287 mph (460 km/h) during flight testing in 2010. The X2 utilizes a coaxial rotor system and a pusher propeller to achieve high speeds. Its innovative design could inspire a new generation of high-speed helicopters.
2. Eurocopter X3
The Eurocopter X3 is another hybrid helicopter that hit a top speed of 255 mph (410 km/h) in level flight in 2013. Its maximum speed is 263 mph. Built by Airbus Helicopters, the X3 also uses a tandem rotor system with two turboshaft engines and side-mounted wings to improve aerodynamics and stability.
3. Sikorsky S-97 Raider
The Sikorsky S-97 is an experimental light tactical helicopter that achieved a speed of 238 mph (383 km/h) in 2015. With counter-rotating rigid main rotors, it was specifically designed for high-speed reconnaissance and attack missions. It’s one of the fastest helicopters operated by the US military.
4. Mil Mi-24
The Russian Mil Mi-24 military gunship is one of the fastest conventional helicopters still in active service today. It has a top speed of around 208 mph (335 km/h). First introduced in the 1970s, the Mi-24 remains a versatile aircraft used by military forces worldwide. Its twin-turboshaft engines provide substantial power and speed.
5. Bell XV-15
The Bell XV-15 was an experimental tiltrotor aircraft developed by NASA and the US military in the late 1970s. It reached a top speed of 212 mph (341 km/h). The XV-15 helped prove the viability of tiltrotor technology. Its innovative engine configuration paved the way for advanced helicopters like the V-22 Osprey.
II. Fastest Helicopter Military
The Sikorsky X2 is currently the world’s fastest military helicopter. In 2010, it reached an unprecedented speed of 287 mph or 460 km/h during flight testing. This experimental compound helicopter utilizes a coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller that enables unmatched high-speed capability. The innovative X2 demonstrator aircraft proved the potential for next-generation helicopters with its unique combination of two main rotors for vertical lift and a propulsor for forward acceleration. With its impressive speed, the Sikorsky X2 paves the way for a new paradigm of high-velocity rotorcraft to serve military missions into the future.
III. Top 10 Fastest Helicopters
The Fastest Helicopters ever flown include the:
- Sikorsky X2
- Eurocopter X3
- Sikorsky S-97 Raider
- Bell V-22 Osprey
- Mil Mi-24 Hind
- Bell XV-15
- Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche
- Westland Lynx
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
- AgustaWestland AW109
These aircraft achieved maximum speeds of over 200 mph thanks to innovative rotor systems, aerodynamic designs, and powerful propulsion. Key advancements in engine efficiency, blade shapes, flight control systems, and weight reduction all contribute to enabling greater helicopter speeds. As aviation technologies continue to progress, the top 10 fastest helicopters in the world will likely change, with new experimental and production models breaking existing records for velocity.
IV. Helicopter Speed km/h
The Sikorsky X2 currently holds the speed record for a helicopter in km/h, having reached a blistering 460 km/h in 2010. Other fast helicopters like the Eurocopter X3, Westland Lynx, and AgustaWestland AW109 have also attained speeds over 350 km/h using advanced engine and rotor technologies. As a reference, conventional single-main rotor helicopters typically have top speeds between 200-300 km/h. But new designs are pushing the limits – the Sikorsky S-97 Raider compound helicopter achieved 383 km/h, showcasing the potential for production helicopters to cruise at speeds over 400 km/h in the future. Reduced drag, increased lift, and more powerful engines will enable faster speed capabilities in km/h.
V. Fastest Helicopter in India
Some of India’s fastest indigenous helicopters include the HAL Light Combat Helicopter and HAL Rudra, both with top speeds of around 320 km/h. The HAL Dhruv also can achieve around 290 km/h. These locally designed and manufactured models give India self-reliance in high-speed rotorcraft for military, civil, and rescue roles. By utilizing modern avionics, composites, and twin engines generating over 1000 hp each, Indian helicopter engineers have developed a fleet, of agile choppers capable of reaching high velocities for rapid response and attack capabilities. India is also working on more ambitious future high-speed helicopter designs to further enhance its domestic aerospace sector.
VI. Fastest Helicopter Lynx
The Westland Lynx military helicopter built by AgustaWestland is one of the fastest conventional helicopters in service today, able to reach a maximum speed of 217 mph or 350 km/h. It achieves this remarkably swift pace through its two powerful Rolls-Royce Gem turboshaft engines, each generating over 1500 hp. The British Lynx has seen combat service around the globe since the 1970s due to its combination of high performance and capability to operate from ships or land. Its sleek aerodynamic profile and robust dynamic components give the Lynx excellent high-speed handling and agility.
VII. Sikorsky Fastest Helicopter
Sikorsky’s X2 experimental compound helicopter first flew in 2008 and reached an astounding 287 mph speed in 2010 – making it the fastest helicopter ever flown. The X2 utilizes a dual coaxial rotor system that eliminates the need for a tail rotor while providing excellent lift and control. With its auxiliary pusher propeller enabling high-speed acceleration, the innovative X2 design paved the way for future high-velocity helicopters. Sikorsky continues to advance high-speed rotorcraft technology with the next-generation Raider helicopter based on lessons from the record-setting X2.
VIII. Why Chinook is Fast
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter is one of the fastest and most capable tandem-rotor helicopters. Its counter-rotating rotors cancel out the torque and allow the Chinook to eliminate the need for an anti-torque rotor. This gives it a streamlined aerodynamic profile and enables high-speed maneuverability uncharacteristic of such a large helicopter. Carrying over 55,000 pounds max takeoff weight, the Chinook can still achieve cruising speeds of over 195 mph. Its impressive speed and lift capabilities have made the Chinook an iconic and combat-proven military helicopter since the 1960s.
IX. Eurocopter X3
The Eurocopter X3 is a hybrid helicopter demonstrator built by Airbus Helicopters to test high-speed capabilities. It reached an incredible 255 mph or 410 km/h in level flight in 2013, setting an unofficial helicopter speed record. The X3 utilizes a five-blade main rotor and two wing-mounted turboshaft engines to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. Its sleek design and powerful propulsion system enabled the X3 to surpass most conventional helicopters’ top speeds. The data from its flight testing aims to advance future helicopter designs and technologies.
X. Future of Fast Helicopters
Aircraft engineers continue pushing the limits of helicopter design and performance. We will likely see production helicopters break the 300 mph barrier in the coming years.
New rotorcraft like the Sikorsky S-97 Raider represent the next generation of high-speed vertical takeoff aircraft. Propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and blade technology will all evolve to enable faster speeds.
The demand for rapid military, rescue, and civilian helicopters ensures rapid ongoing development. The fastest helicopter in the world title may change hands again sooner than expected.
Read Related Blog: NH90 NFH European Naval Helicopter
