Helicopters come in many sizes, from small private models to large military machines. Understanding these variations is crucial. While smaller helicopters offer agility and lower costs, larger ones provide greater capacity and range. Balancing these factors and recognizing their impact helps in choosing the right helicopter for any mission or use.
Helicopter Sizes Chart
Medium Multi-Purpose Helicopter; Mil Mi-17 / Mi-171 size chart.
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 | 3 |
| Propulsion | 2 Turboshaft Engines | 2 Turboshaft Engines |
| Engine Model | Klimov TW3-117MT / TV3-117MT | Klimov TW3-117MT / TV3-117MT |
| Engine Power (each) | 1435 kW / 1924 shp | 1435 kW / 1924 shp |
| Speed | 250 km/h | 135 kts / 155 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 5,000 m | 16,404 ft |
| Range | 494 km | 267 NM / 307 mi |
| Empty Weight | 7,100 kg | 15,653 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 13,000 kg | 28,660 lbs |
| Rotor Blades (main/tail) | 5 / 3 | 5 / 3 |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 21.10 m | 69 ft 3 in |
| Tail Rotor Diameter | 3.91 m | 12 ft 10 in |
| Rotor Disc Area | 349.7 m² | 3,764 ft² |
| Length | 25.30 m | 83 ft 0 in |
| Height | 5.65 m | 18 ft 6 in |
Mil Mi-24 / Mi-35 Gunship Helicopter size chart
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Passengers | 8 | 8 |
| Propulsion | 2 Turboshaft Engines | 2 Turboshaft Engines |
| Engine Model | Klimov TW3-117VM / TV3-117VM | Klimov TW3-117VM / TV3-117VM |
| Engine Power (each) | 1638 kW / 2197 shp | 1638 kW / 2197 shp |
| Speed | 335 km/h | 181 kts / 208 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 4,500 m | 14,764 ft |
| Range | 500 km | 270 NM / 311 mi |
| Empty Weight | 8,340 kg | 18,387 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 11,500 kg | 25,353 lbs |
| Rotor Blades (main/tail) | 5 / 3 | 5 / 3 |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 17.30 m | 56 ft 9 in |
| Tail Rotor Diameter | 3.91 m | 12 ft 10 in |
| Rotor Disc Area | 235.1 m² | 2,531 ft² |
| Length | 21.35 m | 70 ft 1 in |
| Height | 5.47 m | 17 ft 11 in |
Mil Mi-26 Heavy Transport Helicopter size chart
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 5-6 | 5-6 |
| Passengers | 85 | 85 |
| Propulsion | 2 Turboshaft Engines | 2 Turboshaft Engines |
| Engine Model | Lotarev D-136 | Lotarev D-136 |
| Engine Power (each) | 8273 kW / 11,094 shp | 8273 kW / 11,094 shp |
| Speed | 294 km/h | 159 kts / 183 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 4,600 m | 15,092 ft |
| Range | 800 km | 432 NM / 497 mi |
| Empty Weight | 28,200 kg | 62,170 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 56,000 kg | 123,459 lbs |
| Rotor Blades (main/tail) | 8 / 5 | 8 / 5 |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 32.00 m | 104 ft 12 in |
| Tail Rotor Diameter | 7.61 m | 24 ft 12 in |
| Rotor Disc Area | 804.2 m² | 8,656 ft² |
| Length | 40.00 m | 131 ft 3 in |
| Height | 8.10 m | 26 ft 7 in |
Mil Mi-28 Attack Helicopter size chart
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Propulsion | 2 Turboshaft Engines | 2 Turboshaft Engines |
| Engine Model | Klimov TW3-117VMA-SB3 / TV3-117VMA-SB3 | Klimov TW3-117VMA-SB3 / TV3-117VMA-SB3 |
| Engine Power (each) | 1638 kW / 2197 shp | 1638 kW / 2197 shp |
| Speed | 306 km/h | 165 kts / 190 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 5,700 m | 18,701 ft |
| Range | 450 km | 243 NM / 280 mi |
| Empty Weight | 8,590 kg | 18,938 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 11,700 kg | 25,794 lbs |
| Rotor Blades (main/tail) | 5 / 4 | 5 / 4 |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 17.20 m | 56 ft 5 in |
| Tail Rotor Diameter | 3.84 m | 12 ft 7 in |
| Rotor Disc Area | 232.4 m² | 2,502 ft² |
| Length | 17.01 m | 55 ft 10 in |
| Height | 3.82 m | 12 ft 6 in |
Miles M.2 Hawk / Hawk Major / Hawk Trainer / Touring / Trainer Aircraft size chart.
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Passengers | 1 | 1 |
| Propulsion | 1 Piston Engine | 1 Piston Engine |
| Engine Model | de Havilland Gipsy Major I | de Havilland Gipsy Major I |
| Engine Power | 97 kW / 130 hp | 97 kW / 130 hp |
| Speed | 241 km/h | 130 kts / 150 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 6,096 m | 20,000 ft |
| Range | 900 km | 486 NM / 559 mi |
| Empty Weight | 521 kg | 1,149 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 816 kg | 1,799 lbs |
| Wing Span | 10.06 m | 33 ft 0 in |
| Wing Area | 15.7 m² | 169 ft² |
| Length | 7.32 m | 24 ft 0 in |
| Height | 2.03 m | 6 ft 8 in |
Miles M.14 Magister / Hawk Trainer III / Trainer size chart
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Propulsion | 1 Piston Engine | 1 Piston Engine |
| Engine Model | de Havilland Gipsy Major I | de Havilland Gipsy Major I |
| Engine Power | 97 kW / 130 hp | 97 kW / 130 hp |
| Speed | 211 km/h | 114 kts / 131 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 5,486 m | 18,000 ft |
| Range | 609 km | 329 NM / 379 mi |
| Empty Weight | 570 kg | 1,257 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 845 kg | 1,863 lbs |
| Wing Span | 10.31 m | 33 ft 10 in |
| Wing Area | 16.3 m² | 175 ft² |
| Length | 7.51 m | 24 ft 8 in |
| Height | 2.77 m | 9 ft 1 in |
Miles M.38 Messenger / Liaison / Touring Aircraft size chart
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Passengers | 3 | 3 |
| Propulsion | 1 Piston Engine | 1 Piston Engine |
| Engine Model | Blackburn Cirrus Major 3 | Blackburn Cirrus Major 3 |
| Engine Power | 116 kW / 156 hp | 116 kW / 156 hp |
| Speed | 219 km/h | 118 kts / 136 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 4,877 m | 16,000 ft |
| Range | 419 km | 226 NM / 260 mi |
| Empty Weight | 659 kg | 1,453 lbs |
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 1,091 kg | 2,405 lbs |
| Wing Span | 11.03 m | 36 ft 2 in |
| Wing Area | 17.8 m² | 192 ft² |
| Length | 7.32 m | 24 ft 0 in |
| Height | 2.29 m | 7 ft 6 in |
Categories of Helicopters
Helicopters are generally classified into three main categories: light, medium, and heavy. Each category has distinct characteristics and applications, which influence their suitability for various tasks.
Light Helicopters
Light helicopters are often chosen for personal transport and short-range missions. These aircraft are renowned for their agility and lower operating costs. While they excel in maneuverability and affordability, they come with limited payload capacity and range. As a result, they might not be suitable for heavy lifting or extended journeys.
Medium Helicopters
Medium helicopters offer versatility and are widely utilized in commercial, emergency, and military applications. They strike a balance between size, capacity, and performance. This category is ideal for a range of missions but might face trade-offs in terms of payload compared to heavier models. Their mid-sized nature allows for flexibility, though they may not achieve the extreme ranges or capacities of larger helicopters.
Heavy Helicopters
Heavy helicopters are designed for large-scale operations, including heavy lifting and long-range missions. They provide significant payload capacity and extended range. However, their larger size comes with higher operating costs and reduced maneuverability compared to lighter helicopters. The trade-off involves balancing the need for payload and range against the increased complexity and expense.
Factors Influencing Helicopter Size Selection
Choosing the right helicopter size involves evaluating several factors, including mission requirements, payload needs, and operating conditions. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining the most suitable helicopter for any given situation.
Mission Requirements
Different missions, such as search and rescue or cargo transport, demand specific helicopter sizes and configurations. For instance, search and rescue missions often require helicopters with advanced navigation and hoisting capabilities, while cargo transport needs larger helicopters with substantial payload capacity. Balancing these needs can impact the choice between agility and capacity.
Payload and Capacity
The payload capacity of a helicopter is a critical factor in its selection. This aspect influences the amount of equipment and personnel the helicopter can carry. While larger helicopters can handle heavier loads, they come with increased operational costs. Conversely, smaller helicopters offer lower costs but have limited payloads. Evaluating these trade-offs helps in selecting the helicopter that best fits the mission’s demands.
Operating Conditions
Operating conditions such as terrain, weather, and altitude significantly affect helicopter performance and suitability. For example, high-altitude or mountainous regions may require helicopters with specific performance features to ensure safe operation.
Adapting to these conditions often involves choosing between helicopters designed for rugged environments and those suited for more stable conditions. Understanding these challenges is essential for making an informed decision based on the helicopter size chart.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between light, medium, and heavy helicopters?
Answer: Light helicopters are designed for personal transport and short-range missions. They are agile and cost-effective but have limited payload and range. Medium helicopters offer a balance between size and capacity, making them versatile for commercial, emergency, and military applications. Heavy helicopters are built for large-scale operations, such as heavy lifting and long-range missions, and provide significant payload and range but come with higher operational costs and reduced maneuverability.
2. How do mission requirements influence the choice of helicopter size?
Answer: Mission requirements are crucial in determining the appropriate helicopter size. For instance, search and rescue missions may need helicopters with advanced equipment and sufficient space for rescuers, while cargo transport requires helicopters with high payload capacities. Matching the helicopter’s size and configuration to the specific needs of the mission ensures optimal performance and efficiency.
3. What factors should be considered when choosing a helicopter for challenging operating conditions?
Answer: When operating in challenging conditions, factors such as terrain, weather, and altitude are essential to consider. High-altitude or mountainous regions may require helicopters designed to handle reduced air density and rugged landscapes. Additionally, adverse weather conditions might necessitate helicopters with enhanced stability and navigation systems. Evaluating these factors helps ensure that the selected helicopter can operate safely and effectively in the given environment.