Helicopters play a paramount role in logistics, combat, troop deployment, and supply operations, making them the foremost choice in various contexts. Whether it’s in times of war or during rescue missions, speed stands as a crucial factor for helicopters. In this article, we present a comprehensive compilation of the ten swiftest helicopters worldwide.
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.
The Mil Mi-28
The Mi-28 is a new-generation attack helicopter with two VK-2500 engines having take-off power of 2,200hp each. The turboshaft engines enables the Mi-28N to operate at an altitude of 5,600m with a normal take-off weight of 10,900kg.
Ka-52 “Alligator”
The Ka-52 Alligator is a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter developed by Kamov Design Bureau to meet the demands of reconnaissance and combat missions for the Russian Air Force. With the ability to fly at a maximum speed of 300km/h, Ka-52 is 7th amongst fastest helicopters in the world. The helicopter is designed to destroy tanks, armoured and non-armoured ground targets, and enemy troops and helicopters both on the front line and in tactical reserves.
The Ka-52 Alligator
The Ka-52 Alligator is a two-seat Russian attack helicopter powered by two VK-2500 turbo-shaft engines (2,400hp each). The powerful engines allows the helicopter to fly at altitudes over 5,000m (16,404ft). It can take-off and land in hot and high conditions as well as in extremely cold and icy conditions.
NH90
The NH90 is a medium lift, multi-role military helicopter. It was developed in response to NATO requirements for a battlefield helicopter which would also be capable of being operated in naval environments. The helicopter’s impressive cruise speed of 300km/h makes it one of the fastest helicopters in the world.
The NH90
The NH90 is a twin-engine military helicopter developed in two versions – tactical troop transport (TTH) and NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH). The NH90 is well suited for operations in the most demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night. The high-performance engine enables the helicopter to reach a maximum altitude of 3,200m (10,500ft) at a rate of climb of 2,200ft/min.
AgustaWestland AW139
The AW139 is a medium sized, new generation twin-turbine military helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland. At a maximum speed of 306km/h, the AW139 comes 5th amongst world’s fastest helicopters. The AW139 can transport up to 10 fully equipped soldiers or 15 passengers at very high speeds.
The AW139
Since 2003, the AW139 has become one of AgustaWestland’s most influential products; it has been subsequently developed into two enlarged medium-lift helicopters, the military-orientated AW149 and the AW189 for the civil market.
AW101 (EH101) Merlin
The AW101 Merlin is a flexible medium-lift helicopter which can fly at a maximum speed of 309km/h making it one of the fastest helicopters in the world. It is produced by AgustaWestland for military and civilian applications.
The AW101 Merlin
Powered by three Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engines that provide the helicopter high lifting capacity and top speed. Each engine develops a power of 2,270shp and ensures operations at a maximum altitude of 15,000ft.
Mi-35M
With a maximum speed of 310km/h, Mi-35M comes at No.3 amongst world’s 10 Fastest Helicopters. This multirole attack helicopter is a comprehensive modernisation of the Mi-24V. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and has been operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force and its successors, along with more than 30 other nations.
The Mi-35M
The Mi-35M entered serial production phase in 2005 at Rostvertol plant. It is powered by two engines having 2,200hp each. The operational altitude and normal range of the helicopter are 5,400m (17,716ft) and 460km respectively.
CH-47 Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook is powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines generating 4,777shp (3,529kW) of power each enable the CH-47F fly at altitudes up to 20,000ft (6,096m) while carrying a load of 10,886kg.
The CH-47F Chinook
Eurocopter X3
Eurocopter X3 topes the list of fastest helicopters in the world. X3 achieved 255 knots (472 km/h; 293 mph) in level flight over France on 7 June 2013, setting an unofficial speed record for a helicopter.
The X3 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9a turboshaft engines, generating 1,693 kW (2,270 hp) of power each.
Eurocopter X3
Helicopters, from their first appearance in World War II to the modern day, have helped to transform the battlefield. Be it combat, supplies, troop deployment or rescue purposes, helicopters have a significant role. There are many questions; which is the best attack military helicopter? Which is the greatest modern gunship in the world and why? Which is the fastest military helicopter? We’ve analysed top 10 attack helicopters based on the combined score of performance, firepower, protection and avionics.
