The era of rotary-wing aircraft began at the beginning of the twentieth century, although the first helicopter project was developed by Leonardo da Vinci. In an ever-changing world, these beautiful and fast cars have become a familiar way of moving celebrities, politicians, and athletes. The rich and famous, in the pursuit of prestige and comfort, buy the most expensive helicopters. But in our review, mostly expensive combat helicopters.
15
Sikorsky S-92. $ 17 million
Photo by: Mark Harkin | flicr
Our helicopter fleet is opened by one of the projects of the Sikorsky Aircraft aircraft concern. For the first time, the S-92 took off in 1998.
At the beginning of the XX century, Igor Sikorsky developed the basic principles of operation of rotorcraft, and his projects are still used to create elegant and practical helicopters. The Sikorsky S-92, which is widely used for movement by the heads of many states, was no exception.
The chic interior, comfort and high technical characteristics are the main distinguishing features of the aircraft. The flight range is up to 1 thousand kilometers, and the speed is 290 km / h.
14
AgustaWestland AW101. $ 21 million
A combat helicopter that is actively used for peaceful purposes. This is the most expensive device of the AgustaWestland company. The first tests took place in 1987, but the helicopter still remains in service.
The high price does not scare consumers, because the rotorcraft is a fast and reliable machine. It can take on board up to 30 passengers. It is used not only in the army, but also in law enforcement bodies, by the owners of large corporations, business tycoons.
Ascetic interior, speed up to 280 km / h, reliability. All this attracts people who prefer practicality rather than external beauty.
13
Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite. $ 26 million
For many years, the helicopter faithfully served the US Navy, and in 2001 was dismissed. The high price of a combat vehicle is due to the presence of expensive weapons and the versatility of the Kaman SH-2G.
A helicopter can climb up to 4,500 m and a maximum speed of 250 km / h. On board takes up to 8 people. In addition to the United States Navy, combat aircraft were used in the army of Australia, Poland, and Peru.
After decommissioning, enterprising businessmen purchased helicopters, re-equipping them for peaceful purposes. Small size and maneuverability allows you to board small platforms in the mountains and on sea vessels.
12
Airbus H225M Super Puma. $ 27 million
The maneuvering helicopter was manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. Production is suspended, but they continue to be used by the French, Mexican and Brazilian air forces.
In civilian life, a helicopter is used by rescue services in search and rescue missions. Popular "Super Puma" among wealthy businessmen. The spacious lounge can be equipped as you wish.
It speeds up to 275 km / h, and the maximum flight range is 850 km. There are models with soundproofing of the cabin. Convenient helicopter for travel and work flights.
11
Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. $ 28 million
Sikorsky Corporation launched a multifunctional deck helicopter in the 70s of the last century, but is now actively used by the US Army and the United States allies.
Upgraded models continue to use the Navy of the United States and Australia. Properly serves civilians. In the modified models, an excellent "filling": from modern means of geolocation to a comfortable cabin.
It easily takes off from ships of any type. It is rapidly gaining altitude, developing a speed of 270 km / h, and the flight range is 830 km. The ceiling for him is just above 4,000 m.
10
Boeing CH-47 Chinook. $ 29 million
The heavy military transport helicopter was tested in 1961, and a year later it entered service with the US Army. Now it is in service with 19 countries.
You can argue, but American experts consider the Chinook the most reliable helicopter in the world. Used to transport people and goods. The design of the aircraft allows its use in any weather conditions.
It received its name in honor of one of the Indian tribes that inhabited the expanses of North America. In addition to the army, it is used in civil
aviation.
9
Bell AH-1Z Viper. $ 30 million
The Viper attack helicopter was created by American designers based on the famous AN-1 Cobra model. The first test flights took place back in 2000, but they put the combat vehicle into operation in 2011.
Two powerful turbo engines allow you to rise to a height of 6,000 meters. The speed is 290 km / h, and is controlled by 2 pilots and an operator. Modern equipment allows you to use the "Bell AH-1Z Viper" at night. It mounted light weapons and missiles.
The protection system makes him virtually invulnerable. On some copies, radar protection and a system for suppressing heat from engines and exhaust gases are installed.
8
Kazan Mi-35M. $ 36 million
A Russian-made combat transport helicopter made its first flight in 2005, and entered service with the Russian army in 2010.
It was developed by the Milya design bureau, and they are assembled in Rostov-on-Don at Rosvertol enterprises. The helicopter is equipped with two turbo engines, hazard protection and warning systems, modern weapons. The MI-35M is designed to destroy military equipment on the ground and support the ground forces from the air.
It is controlled by 2 pilots, and on board can take 8 passengers. It develops speeds of up to 300 km / h, and a high-altitude ceiling of 3,150 meters. In addition to Russia, it is used by the armies of Serbia, Brazil, and post-Soviet states.
7
NH Industries NH90 NFH. $ 39 million
The joint creation of French and German designers is produced by the large aviation concern Eurocopter. The tests took place in the second half of the 1990s, and in 2006 began to be actively exploited by NATO countries.
The medium-sized helicopter has good maneuverability, and two engines allow you to quickly fly into the air and reach a speed of up to 295 km / h. The flight range is 907 km, which allows the use of a combat vehicle on vast sea open spaces.
It can lift up to 14 people on board, and in conditions of hostilities, taking into account armament, only 7 people. In its class, it is considered one of the best naval helicopters capable of performing multifunctional combat missions.
6
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk. $ 40 million
South African Atlas Corporation, now called Denel Aviation, in 1980 developed a new attack helicopter project. After 10 years, their release began, and in 1999 the AH-2 Rooivalk entered the service of the South African Air Force.
It is controlled by two pilots, and the operator provides the work of weapons and communications. It speeds up to 300 km / h, and the flight range is 940 km. Financial difficulties, as well as political instability in the region did not allow to establish mass mass production.
For all the time they produced only 12 cars, which sold for $ 400 million.
5
Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk. $ 40 million
Another American model of production is Sikorsky Aircraft. It has been produced since 1970, and is widely used not only in military operations.
It has proven itself in search and rescue missions, transporting patients, and emergency evacuation. Widely used by law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime in the production and sale of drugs.
A fairly high-speed helicopter, gaining speed in the air 333 km / h. Flight range 830 km. Holds 5 passengers and a carrying capacity of 2.7 tons.
4
Eurocopter Tiger UHT. $ 50 million
The first helicopter fighting vehicle, which reached a price of $ 50 million. For excellent combat qualities, the device was called the Tiger. Developed by German and French designers, and the issue was established at Eurocopter factories.
After the start of serial production, mid-range attack helicopters entered service with France and Germany. It is controlled by one pilot and one weapon operator. The main purpose is the destruction of tanks using modern homing missiles.
It is also equipped with air-to-air missiles. It can reach speeds of up to 278 km / h, and flight range - 800 km.
3
Boeing AH-64 Apache. $ 52 million
The most widespread attack helicopter in the world, named after the name of an Indian tribe, has been produced since the mid-1980s.
Actively used by the US Army in all conflict zones. You could read about this machine on thebiggest.ru pages in an article about the best attack helicopters.
For all the time they produced more than 2,200 units, and the US Air Force command considers it the best in its class. It easily reaches a height of 6,400 m and a vehicle speed of 300 km / h. Over the entire period of use, a loss of 34 combat units of the Boeing AH-64 Apache was recorded.
The machine is equipped with modern weapons, as well as protective equipment. Night vision devices and a geolocation system allow use at night.
2
Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. $ 65 million
The Sikorsky Aircraft oversized heavy helicopter is being developed for the marines. The first flight of the "Royal Stallion" carried out in 2015 and has not yet entered the US Navy.
The approximate price of the model is 65 million dollars, which puts it in second place in the list of expensive rotary-wing aircraft. In tests, the car showed a speed of 315 km / h, and a flight range of 852 km. The SN-53K is capable of easily landing on the deck of warships, and, despite the dimensions, is quite maneuverable.
The helicopter has 3 engines, and the latest technologies are used in the navigation system. It is able to fit 37 people in the fuselage, and it controls 5 people.
1
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. $ 68 million
The most expensive rotary-wing aircraft combining the properties of an airplane and a helicopter. The only tiltrotor manufactured by the American concern "Bell".
The first test flights of a multifunctional combat vehicle took place in 1989, and in 2007 various units of the United States Army began to actively use it. Such a large time period is due to the fact that this is the first helicopter in the world using inclined motor technology.
Designers and testers checked the car, making appropriate adjustments.
In airplane mode it speeds up to 565 km / h, and in helicopter mode it accelerates to 185 km / h. Range of flight 2 627 km.
Summarize
Helicopters are very convenient, as they make it easy to get to hard-to-reach places, they can take off and land where an ordinary plane cannot. Another amazing feature of helicopters is the ability to hang in the air, which is actively used in search and rescue operations, the evacuation of patients and the population in natural disasters.
Thebiggest editors are asking you to write in the comments what other expensive helicopters should be on this list.