Biggest helicopter in the world- Despite the fact that helicopters have been around for a long time, many individuals have never had the opportunity to fly in one.
If you have never taken a helicopter ride, then you have missed out on a wonderful experience. These machines are amazing! A helicopter can lift hundreds of pounds into the air.
They can perform a variety of maneuvers that airplanes simply cannot.
Helicopters are wonderful pieces of machinery, but what about the biggest helicopters in the world? If you are interested in helicopters, then you need to check out this article.
The 10 Biggest Helicopter in the World
Biggest helicopter in the world
The word “helicopter” can bring to mind images of whirling blades and daring rescues. But the size of a helicopter is just as important as its ability to fly.
Bigger helicopters are able to carry heavier loads, so they’re often used for carrying cargo or heavy equipment for construction jobs.
Helicopters that can’t carry large payloads may instead be used for search and rescue missions, where their small size allows them access to tight spots on mountainsides or in dense forests.
The 10 biggest helicopters in the world offer a great range of sizes and functions, from those designed primarily for military use to those that serve only humanitarian needs like delivering aid workers and supplies after natural disasters.
The 10 biggest helicopters in the world are listed below. All of these helicopters are big, but some are an order of magnitude bigger than others.
1. MIL Mi-38
MIL Mi-38 (Russia)
The Mi-38 is a medium-sized twin-turbine, long-range transport and passenger helicopter.
A development of the civil Mi-8 airframe with improved specific power, new avionics, and an all-glass cockpit, it first flew in 1998. The Mi-38 accommodates up to 33 passengers or ten tons of cargo on its rear cargo ramp and in its cabin.
The first model entered service with Russian state operator Aeroflot in 2002 and was subsequently sold to other civil operators, including the UN and NATO, as well as to military operators.
The largest single order for the Mi-38 was placed by the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry (EMERCOM), which ordered 38 aircraft in 2007.
The Mi-38 is the world’s largest helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 38,000 kg (84,000 lb).
It has a passenger capacity of 33, a range of 620 km (385 mi) and a service ceiling of 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The Mi-38 can also carry a maximum external load of 10 tons.
In its military role, it can carry up to 36 paratroopers or 12 stretchers with four medical personnel. The Mi-38 was designed as an external sling-load lift helicopter.
In addition, the Mi-38 is also used for transporting cargo and fuel bladders by inserting them into the cabin through the rear cargo ramp.
The Mi-38 is powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines, which provide a maximum power of 2,500 kW (3,350 hp) each.
The engine installation has been optimized for hot and high environments with an arched dust filter and an auxiliary power unit with a heat exchanger for engine start in cold climates.
The Mi-38’s fuselage is constructed of four longerons, two stringers, and five bulkheads.
The helicopter has a 28° sweptback main rotor blade, which is designed to withstand negative g-loads at low speeds, while its tail rotor blade has a 10° leading edge sweepback.
For maintenance purposes, the helicopter’s rotors can be dismantled and reassembled in 30 minutes.
The Mi-38’s landing gear is the same as on the Mi-8MTV-5. The twin wheels at each corner of the fuselage are mounted on a 3.5 m (11 ft) long wheelbase to reduce the number of parts and the number of maintenance operations needed.
The Mi-38 can operate in temperatures from 50 to +50°C (58 to 122°F). It is part of Mil’s Aircraft 80 series, including the Mil Mi-8MTV, Mil Mi-17, and Mil Mi-24 helicopters.
In December 2014, the Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract for the development of a modernized version of the Mi-38 helicopter.
It is planned to complete its design by 2016 and to build it in the following years at Russia’s Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.
The major aim of this project is to increase the airlift capabilities of the aircraft, as well as equip it with new navigation and communication systems, and to improve the safety of the crew.
The modernized helicopter is designated as the Mi-38M. It will have a takeoff weight of 41,000 kg (90,000 lb) and a passenger capacity of 47 people.
The estimated range will be 800 km (500 mi), and it will have an external load capacity of up to 10 tons.
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant started designing the new helicopter in April 2015. The first prototype is expected to be assembled at the plant by 2018, with serial production planned to start by 2022.
2. AgustaWestland AW-101
AgustaWestland AW-101 (Italy / United Kingdom)
The AgustaWestland AW-101 is the biggest helicopter in the world. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 31,000 kilograms (68,000 pounds) and can carry up to 15 passengers.
The AW-101 is powered by three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, which give it a top speed of 365 kilometers per hour (227 miles per hour).
It has a range of 745 kilometers (460 miles) and can reach an altitude of up to 6,000 meters (19,700 feet).
The helicopter’s cabin is the size of a bus. With its ability to land almost anywhere in the world without refueling, the AW-101 is known as a tactical transport helicopter.
The AW-101 can carry up to two main weapons systems: a 30mm manned chain gun and 12 unguided rockets, such as the Brimstone missile system. It can also carry air-to-air missiles and anti-ship torpedoes for self-defense.
The AW-101 entered service with the British military in 1999 and has been used in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is also used by the Italian, Norwegian, Danish, and Dutch militaries. In 2013, AgustaWestland was acquired by Leonardo-Finmeccanica.
The AW-101 is expected to be replaced by the AgustaWestland AW-149, which entered service in 2015.
3. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey (USA)
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the largest helicopter in the world. It was designed by Bell Helicopter and Boeing and first flew in 1989.
The V-22 is a tiltrotor aircraft, which means that its two rotors can rotate to point in different directions. This allows it to take off and land like a helicopter, and then fly like an airplane.
The V-22 is used by the US military for transport and assault missions. It can carry up to 24 passengers or 12,000 pounds of cargo.
The V-22 has been involved in many accidents but has also been praised for its performance in combat. In 2007, a V-22 was used to rescue two injured soldiers from a battlefield in Iraq.
The V-22 is the future of military transport aircraft and will continue to be used by the US military for many years to come.
4. Boeing CH-47F Chinook
Boeing CH-47F Chinook (USA)
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is the biggest helicopter in the world. It can carry up to 55 troops or 24,000 pounds of cargo.
The Chinook has a cruising speed of 190 miles per hour and a range of 370 miles. It can fly at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. The Chinook is powered by two turbine engines.
On July 13, 2007, the CH-47F set a new record for lifting the most weight with its cargo hook: 24,087 pounds! It took off with this amazing load from Fort Hood, Texas.
The Chinook has been used in wars since it was first tested in 1961 during the Vietnam War. Then it was first used in combat during the Vietnam War as well.
The Chinook has been used in every U.S. conflict since then, including both Gulf Wars and Afghanistan and Iraq too!
The two most recent records for lifting with its cargo hook:
- A helicopter needs to be able to lift half its own weight to fly properly. That’s why the CH-47F can lift 24,087 pounds.
- The Chinook can transport up to 55 troops or 24,000 pounds of cargo at once!
5. Changhe Z-18
Changhe Z-18 (China)
The Changhe Z-18 is the biggest helicopter in the world. It made its first flight in December of 2018 and is currently in production.
The Z-18 is a large, heavy-lift helicopter that can carry up to 18 passengers or a load of up to 10,000 kg. It has a maximum speed of 300 km/h and a range of 1200 km.
The helicopter is primarily used to transport troops and material and has the ability to land in close proximity to both water and mountainous terrain due to its six under-wing-mounted landing gears.
It also features a rescue winch that can be used in emergency situations. The Z-18 features a glass cockpit with an all-digital flight control system, which provides the pilot with a high level of situational awareness.
The Z-18 is expected to enter service with the Chinese military in 2019. It is likely that the helicopter will also be exported to other countries around the world.
With its large payload and advanced features, the Changhe Z-18 is sure to become one of the most popular heavy lift helicopters in operation worldwide.
Facts about this helicopter:
Passengers: 18 (crew: 2-3)10,000 kg maximum speed: 300 km/h range: 1200 km time to climb to 6555 m in 15 minutes normal service ceiling above sea level6555 m of endurance in normal conditions.
6. Eurocopter EC 725
Eurocopter EC 725 (France)
As of 2010, the biggest helicopter in the world was the Eurocopter EC 725. It was developed by Eurocopter Group (now Airbus Helicopters) for military and civilian use to replace older Sikorsky workhorses.
It can hold a total weight of 66 tons. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 56.3 tons and can carry 25.5 tons (including crew). It can hold 74 passengers or 12 stretchers, with an additional 52 seats.
With its four turboshaft engines, it has a range of 435 miles (700 km). It has top speeds of 224 mph (360 km/h) and 202 mph (325 km/h) for transport and reconnaissance variants, respectively.
The EC 725 first flew in 2005 and entered into service in 2007. It is used by militaries and governments in over 30 countries around the world.
It is a versatile helicopter with many uses, such as troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, firefighting, and anti-submarine warfare.
The Eurocopter EC725 is a civilian and military helicopter developed by Eurocopter Group (now Airbus Helicopters) from the AS 532 Cougar.
The EC725 is an entirely new helicopter, unlike the AS532, which was a development of the Aérospatiale SA330 Puma.
The EC725 first appeared at the Paris Air Show in 1995, and was first ordered by ILFC for $400 million for seven aircraft destined to become executive transports with interior fittings by Pininfarina.
These had a luxurious four-seat cabin and a starboard-side door for loading and unloading passengers.
The first prototype flew on February 6, 2005, at Marignane Airport. The EC725 is powered by four Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts.
EASA certification was granted on December 21st, 2006. On January 15, 2007, the first production EC725, registered LX-HVL, was delivered to Luxair.
The EC725 is a versatile helicopter, capable of many different tasks. It can be used for troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, firefighting, and anti-submarine warfare.
It is used by militaries and governments in over 30 countries around the world. The EC725 has a maximum takeoff weight of 56.3 tons (62 metric tons) and can carry up to 25.5 tons (including crew).
It has a range of 435 miles (700 km) and a top speed of 224 mph (360 km/h) for transport variants and 202 mph (325 km/h) for reconnaissance variants. It is powered by four Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts.
The EC725 entered into service in 2007. It has been ordered by militaries and governments in over 30 countries around the world.
Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer of the EC725, is a subsidiary of Airbus Group (formerly European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS).
Airbus Group is a global aerospace and defense company, with three core businesses: civil aviation, defense, and space. Airbus Group is headquartered in Toulouse, France.
7. MIL Mi-26
MIL Mi-26 (Russia)
The MIL Mi-26 is the world’s biggest helicopter, and it was designed and built by the Russian company MIL. It made its first flight in 1977, and it’s been in service since 1982.
The Mi-26 is a heavy-lift helicopter that can carry up to 20 tons of cargo. It has a four-blade main rotor, which is the largest one ever built. The length of the rotor is 38 meters (125 ft) and it has a diameter of 28 meters (92 ft).
The Mi-26 can go as fast as 300 km/h (186 mph), but its cruising speed usually varies between 160 and 220 km/h (99 to 137 mph).
It has a range of 800 km (497 mi) and can fly at an altitude of up to 6,000 meters (19,685 ft). It requires a crew of five people: two pilots, a flight engineer, and two loadmasters.
The Mi-26 is used by militaries and governments all over the world for transport and humanitarian aid. It’s especially useful for carrying heavy loads like armored vehicles, trucks, and helicopters across long distances.
The biggest helicopter in the world can even carry large structures like battle tanks or locomotives.
Because this aircraft is only built in small numbers every year, it costs around $25 million to build one Mi-26. Three hundred helicopters have been built since 1982, and they’re doing pretty well in the market.
8. MIL Mi-8
MIL Mi-8 (Russia)
The Mi-8 (NATO code name “Hip”) is a medium-sized twin-turbine, multipurpose helicopter which can be used for troop transport, fire support, ambulance duty, and various other tasks.
The Mi-8 was designed by the Mil Design Bureau in 1959. Just under 1,000 units were produced before production stopped in 1982. The Mi-8 is the world’s biggest helicopter in terms of its weight.
It was built for moving troops and weapons, air assault missions, fire support, transport, etc. It has over 1,000 units all over the globe.
The Mi-8 can carry up to 24 paratroopers or 12 stretchers while transporting up to 3 tons of load internally or 5 tons externally.
The Mi-8 is equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and can be armed with 57mm rockets, 80mm rocket pods, and various other bombs and missiles, as well as flares to confuse heat-seeking missiles.
The helicopter’s most distinguishing features are its rear loading ramp and huge size.
Earlier models of the Mi-8 were powered by 2 TV2 turboshaft engines, but later models are equipped with modern, high-tech 2 VK-2500 turboshaft engines. The helicopter’s range is 426 miles, and its top speed is 165 mph.
Since it first entered service in 1961, the Mi-8 has taken part in wars all over the world.
The Mi-8 in the picture is in the markings of Guinea’s Air Force, which is currently using it to transport troops and supplies in battle with rebels in the border regions.
9. NHI NH90
NHI NH90 (Netherlands / France / Italy / Germany)
The NH90 is the biggest and most advanced helicopter in the world. It was developed by NHI, a consortium of European aerospace companies, and it is currently in use by militaries all over the world.
The NH90 is a multi-role helicopter that can be used for a variety of purposes, including search and rescue, troop transport, anti-submarine warfare, and more.
It can be customized to meet requirements depending on the purpose for which it will be used.
The helicopter is very big: its length is 17.2 m (56 ft), its maximum takeoff weight is over 20 tonnes (44,092 lb), and it has a maximum range of 800 km (497 mi). It can carry up to 20 passengers or 10 tonnes of cargo.
The NH90 has a number of advanced features that make it stand out from other helicopters.
These include its six-blade composite main rotor, which provides greater stability and lift; its ThalesTopOwl helmet-mounted display system,
which gives the pilot a clear view of the battlefield; and its fully digital cockpit, which provides enhanced situational awareness for the pilot.
The NH90 is already in use by militaries all over the world, including the French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch militaries.
It has also been ordered by the Australian and Danish militaries. With its advanced capabilities and multiple purposes, it is expected to become one of the most popular helicopters in the world in years to come.
10. Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion
Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion (USA)
The CH-53K King Stallion is an American helicopter for vertical replenishment, organic lift, and heavy-lift assault support of Marine rapid deployment forces. It will replace the CH-53E Super Stallion in service with the US Marine Corps.
This is one of the world’s largest helicopters, being more than twice as heavy as the CH-53E. It has a cargo capacity of 27,000 lb (12,200 kg) and can carry up to 36 troops.
The helicopter is powered by three 7,500 hp (5,600 kW) engines and has a top speed of over 170 mph (270 km/h).
The CH-53K King Stallion will enter into service in spring 2018 with the Marine Corps, replacing the CH-53E Super Stallions.
Delivery of low-rate initial production helicopters is scheduled for 2019. The USMC plans to acquire 200 CH-53Ks to replace all their CH-53Es.
The CH-53K King Stall II is a derivative of the Sikorsky S-92, which was itself a modified version of the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion.
The S-92 was designed by Sikorsky as a US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requirement and features two 200-horsepower engines with improved reliability, an automatic flight control system, an autopilot with enhanced software,
more capable systems, improved navigation, a fully digital cockpit, defensive and offensive capabilities, better survivability, and a single pilot.
The S-92 was awarded the Rolex “Most Innovative Design” Award for its two-mode automatic flight control system that allowed for overspeed conditions with the ability to recover with the push of a button.
