Top 10 Helicopters as Fast as Jet Aircraft (Comparing Speed Records)

Due to the limitations set by the laws of physics, the top speed parameter is not the most important one for a helicopter, and is being sidelined by such technical characteristics as maneuverability, cruising velocity, payload capacity, and range.

However, attempts to bend these restrictions and develop ever faster models is a never-ending process, and today we have some extraordinarily quick machines crossing the skies. In this episode we gathered the best representatives of speedy helicopters and all of the important specifications about them.

More releases from #AutomotiveTerritory that you might enjoy:

Latest generation vertical take-off and landing aircraft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zout7yXeBg

Upcoming airliners that we will be flying soon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWwBM0Ewks

All models shown in this #ATAircraft episode:

AgustaWestland AW609: leonardocompany.com/products/aw609

The development of Augusta Westland AW609 had begun in 1996 as a partnership between Boeing and Bell Helicopters. Initially planned for military purposes, the tiltrotor’s prospects were reconsidered and are now aimed at civil aviation, in particular VIP customers and offshore drilling sites.

Eurocopter X3 (X-Cube): airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Eurocopter's-X3-hybrid-helicopter-makes-aviation-history-in-achieving-a-speed-milestone-of-255-knots-during-level-flight_1159.html

Eurocopter X3 completed its first flight, and two years later, set an unofficial helicopter speed record of 255 knots in a level flight.

Airbus AS365 N3+: airbus.com/helicopters/civil-helicopters/medium/as365-n3plus.html

2019 Airbus AS365 N3+ is a medium-size twin-engine helicopter that is a member of Airbus’ Dauphine range that has been in operation since 1975. The model was developed specifically for operating at maximum speeds of 165 knots in high humidity, hot climate.

Bell V-280 Valor: news.bellflight.com/en-US/166134-bell-v-280-valor-makes-first-ever-cruise-mode-flight

Though the Bell V-280 Valor was engineered to reach a target speed of 280 knots, it has already surpassed this mark, attaining at 300 knots during a test flight in March 2019.

Airbus H160: airbus.com/helicopters/civil-helicopters/medium/h160.html

2019 Airbus H160 formerly known as the X4 is the follow-on of the company’s high-speed technology demonstrator called the Eurocopter X3 that is aimed for series production. Its first deliveries to the buyers are scheduled for 2019 with planned production of 50 units per year.

Lockheed Martin S-97 RAIDER: lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/s-97-raider-helicopter.html

Under development since 2010, the new Lockheed Martin aka Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER completed its maiden flight in 2015, and has since passed the 200 knots speed mark during a test flight, nearing the prospected maximum speed 240 knots.

Airbus RACER: airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/06/Airbus-Helicopters-reveals-Racer-high-speed-demonstrator-configuration.html

2020 Airbus RACER is a direct offspring of the Eurocopter X-Cube that is aimed to complete its first flight in 2020. It is expected to fly at 215 knots cruising speed, delivering a 15 % decrease in fuel consumption and a 50% increase in cruising speed when compared to a traditional helicopter.

Sikorsky-Boeing SB1 Defiant: boeing.com/defense/future-vertical-lift/index.page

Usually referred to simply as the SB-1, this aircraft is a member of the United States Army’s program Future Vertical Lift. The final design is a compound helicopter with rigid counter-rotating coaxial main rotors and a pusher propeller.

Sikorsky X2: lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x2-helicopter-technology-demonstrator.html

The X2 Experimental high-speed compound helicopter by Sikorsky flew for the first time in 2008. It is an already retired aircraft, that serves as the platform for the development of Sikorsky S-97 Raider and SB1 Defiant.

Sikorsky HH-60W: lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-hh-60w-combat-rescue-helicopter.html

Also known as, Combat Rescue Helicopter, the all-new Sikorsky HH60W has completed its maiden flight in May 2019. It is based on the already struggling HH-60G Pave Hawk, which has been in operation for almost four decades.

Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey: boeing.com/defense/v-22-osprey

You must have seen this unique aircraft in multiple blockbuster movies like Transformers and the latest Godzilla installment. The reason why it is loved by Hollywood so much is the unique tiltrotor design that gives it vertical takeoff and landing and high-speed flight capabilities.