The Most Popular Helicopter, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the helicopter you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:39
In the skies above, helicopters carry out monumental tasks from firefighting and rescue operations to executive transport and news coverage. Each helicopter has unique features tailored for its roles, making certain models more popular or admired among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Identifying which helicopters rise above the rest is not only informative but can guide potential users in making informed decisions.
By participating in voting on your favorite models, you contribute to a community-driven assessment that highlights the top performers and innovators in the world of helicopters. This real-time ranking updates as more users vote, reflecting the latest preferences and insights in helicopter technology and design. Your input helps paint a clearer picture of which helicopters really make an impact in their fields.
What Is the Most Popular Helicopter?
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173votes
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationSikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk - widely used by the US military and other countries for various missions, including troop transport and medical evacuation.The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile and highly capable medium-lift utility helicopter. It is designed to perform various missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations. With its advanced technologies and robust construction, the Black Hawk is recognized as one of the most difficult helicopters to fly due to its complex flight control system and high performance capabilities.- Crew: 2 pilots (3 in some variants) plus crew chief and door gunner
- Capacity: Up to 11 troops or 6 stretchers
- Length: 64 ft 10 in (19.76 m)
- Rotor diameter: 53 ft 8 in (16.36 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 22,000 lb (9,980 kg)
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult helicopter to fly
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230votesBoeing AH-64 Apache is a heavily armed attack helicopter used by the US and other countries for air-to-ground combat.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an advanced attack helicopter designed and built by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is primarily used by the United States Army and has become one of the most well-known and successful combat helicopters in the world.
- Maximum Speed: 227 mph (365 km/h)
- Range: 300 miles (480 km)
- Maximum Altitude: 21,000 feet (6,400 meters)
- Crew: 2
- Main Rotor Diameter: 48 feet (14.6 meters)
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325votes
Fabien1309 · CC BY-SA 2.0 frEurocopter AS350 is a popular utility helicopter used for a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and tourism.The Eurocopter AS350, also known as the AStar, is a versatile and widely-used single-engine helicopter. It is renowned for its excellent performance, reliability, and adaptability to various mission types.- Crew Capacity: 1-6
- Powerplant: 1× Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engine
- Max Takeoff Weight: 4,960 kg (10,913 lb)
- Max Speed: 287 km/h (178 mph)
- Range: 662 km (411 mi)
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420votes
Bell UH-1 Huey
Bell HelicopterBell UH-1 Huey is a versatile helicopter used by the US military during the Vietnam War, and still used by many countries today for various missions.The Bell UH-1 Huey is a widely recognized military helicopter that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. It was the first mass-produced turbine-powered helicopter and is renowned for its distinctive shape and iconic image. The Huey has since become a symbol of U.S. helicopter operations.- Crew Capacity: 1-4
- Length: 57 ft 1 in (17.4 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
- Height: 14 ft 5 in (4.4 m)
- Empty weight: 5,215 lb (2,365 kg)
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511votes
SSGT ANTHONY W. LUSI, USAF · Public domainAirbus AS365 Dauphin is a popular medium-sized helicopter used for a variety of missions, including offshore oil and gas operations, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.The Airbus AS365 Dauphin is a popular medium-sized twin-engine helicopter known for its versatility and reliability. It was first introduced in 1975 by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Aerospatiale) and is widely used for various purposes, including search and rescue missions, offshore operations, and executive transportation.- Length: 13.68 m (44 ft 11 in)
- Rotor diameter: 11.94 m (39 ft 2 in)
- Height: 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in)
- Empty weight: 2,405 kg (5,302 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,300 kg (9,480 lb)
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618votesRobinson R44 is a popular light helicopter used for private and commercial operations, including aerial photography and sightseeing tours.The Robinson R44 is a widely popular four-seat helicopter known for its reliability and versatility. It is utilized for various purposes including transportation, tourism, and aerial photography. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the R44 has become a sought-after choice for both professional and recreational pilots.
- Seats: 4
- Engine: Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected flat-six engine
- Max Cruise Speed: 130 knots (150 mph, 240 km/h)
- Range: approx. 348 nautical miles (400 miles, 643 km)
- Service Ceiling: 14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
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79votes
AgustaWestland AW139
Leonardo S.p.A.AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium-sized helicopter used for various missions, including search and rescue, offshore oil and gas operations, and VIP transport.The AgustaWestland AW139 is a popular medium-sized twin-engine helicopter manufactured by the renowned Italian company Leonardo S.p.A. It is widely used in both civil and military operations across the globe. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and versatility, the AW139 has gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable and best-selling helicopters in its class.- Length: 16.66 m
- Rotor diameter: 13.8 m
- Height: 4.98 m
- Maximum takeoff weight: 6,800 kg
- Cruising speed: 310 km/h
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88votesSikorsky S-92 is a large helicopter used for offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue, and VIP transport.The Sikorsky S-92 is a versatile medium-to-heavy lift helicopter designed for both civil and military operations. It is renowned for its exceptional reliability, advanced technology, and impressive performance capabilities.
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 27,700 kg
- Empty Weight: 12,700 kg
- Maximum Speed: 306 km/h
- Range: 1,000 km
- Fuel Capacity: 3,060 liters
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97votes
Mfield - Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com · CC BY 2.5Bell 206 is a popular light helicopter used for a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, aerial surveying, and firefighting.The Bell 206, also known as the Bell JetRanger, is a versatile and widely used light helicopter that has become one of the most popular helicopter models in the world. It is a single-engine, five-seat aircraft known for its reliability, performance, and adaptability.- First Flight: 1962
- Length: 39 ft 8 in (12.09 m)
- Rotor Diameter: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)
- Crew Capacity: 1-2 pilots, up to 3 passengers
- Max Takeoff Weight: 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)
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104votes
Jan Hrdonka · Public domainMil Mi-8
Mil Moscow Helicopter PlantMil Mi-8 is a versatile helicopter used by many countries for various missions, including troop transport, search and rescue, and firefighting.The Mil Mi-8 is a versatile and widely-used transport helicopter commonly known as the 'Hip'. It is known for its robustness, reliability, and ability to operate in diverse environments and challenging conditions. The Mi-8 has been serving various military forces, as well as civil operators, since its introduction in the 1960s.- Crew: 3 crew members
- Capacity: Up to 24 passengers or 12 stretchers
- Length: 25.3 m (83 ft 1 in)
- Rotor diameter: 21.3 m (69 ft 11 in)
- Height: 5.65 m (18 ft 6 in)
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Ranking factors for popular helicopter
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PerformanceFactors such as speed, range, endurance, and altitude capability are important in determining the effectiveness of a helicopter. A popular helicopter should be able to perform tasks efficiently and reliably, in various environmental conditions.
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VersatilityA popular helicopter should be able to perform a range of functions, from transportation and cargo lifting to firefighting and search and rescue operations. It should be adaptable to different roles, with various configurations and equipment options available.
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Passenger capacity and cargo spaceDepending on the intended use of the helicopter, the number of passengers it can carry and the amount of cargo space available can be significant factors in its popularity.
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Safety and reliabilityA helicopter's safety features and its capabilities to maintain consistent, reliable performance are critical factors in evaluating its popularity. A strong safety record and a good reputation for low maintenance and technical issues will make a helicopter more appealing to potential users.
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CostAcquisition and operating costs are crucial factors in determining a helicopter's popularity. Affordability, combined with the cost of maintenance, spare parts, and fuel consumption, will influence the overall cost of ownership and, ultimately, the appeal of a specific helicopter model.
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Manufacturer reputation and support networkA helicopter's popularity is often influenced by the credibility of its manufacturer, as well as the quality of the support network for maintenance, parts, and technical assistance.
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Comfort and amenitiesFeatures such as cabin noise reduction, vibration control, and comfortable seating can make a significant difference in the popularity of a helicopter, particularly for commercial and VIP transportation purposes.
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Avionics and technologyAdvanced avionics systems, flight controls, and other innovative technologies can make a helicopter more popular by enhancing its performance, safety, and ease of use.
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Environmental impactA helicopter's noise and emissions levels can influence its popularity, particularly in urban or environmentally-sensitive areas. Helicopters that are quieter and have lower emissions are generally more popular.
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Aesthetic appealAlthough not a critical factor, the aesthetic appeal of a helicopter's design can play a role in its popularity, particularly in the private and executive transportation markets.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular helicopter. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or helicopter is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2884 views
- 204 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each helicopter once every 24 hours. The rank of each helicopter is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular helicopter
Helicopters have become an integral part of aviation technology and are widely used for military, commercial, and personal purposes. Developed in the early 1900s, the modern helicopter has undergone significant technological advancements to become one of the most versatile aircraft in the world. With a vertical takeoff and landing capability, helicopters are ideal for a wide range of applications, including search and rescue, firefighting, transportation, and aerial photography.
When it comes to popularity, several helicopters have stood out over the years. From the Bell UH-1 Huey, which gained fame during the Vietnam War, to the iconic Sikorsky Black Hawk, helicopters have played a vital role in shaping modern warfare. In the civilian world, the Robinson R22 and R44 have become extremely popular for personal use and flight training.
So, what is the most popular helicopter? With so many different models and uses, it's difficult to pinpoint a single winner. However, certain helicopters have gained significant popularity due to their performance, reliability, and versatility. Through thousands of polls and rankings on StrawPoll, we can see which helicopters continue to capture the hearts and minds of aviation enthusiasts around the world.
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