Top 10 Fastest Helicopters in the World

Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, formerly known as Aerospatiale SA 365 Dauphin 2, is a versatile medium twin-engine helicopter produced by Airbus Helicopters. Originally developed and manufactured by the French company Aérospatiale, which merged into the multinational Eurocopter in the 1990s, and was rebranded as Airbus Helicopters in 2014. The AS365 Dauphin shares several features with the unsuccessful single-engine Aérospatiale SA 360.

With its twin-engine configuration, the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin has met the needs of both civilian and military operators. In 1991, the civil transport helicopter AS365 Dauphin set a world record by achieving a speed of 372 km/h (231 mph) over a 3 km distance. Since its introduction in 1975, this helicopter has broken multiple records, including the fastest flight between London and Paris. Interestingly, it is faster than the H160M, the fastest conventional military transport helicopter.

Airbus H160 (formerly known as X4) is a medium utility helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. It was officially unveiled at Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida, on March 3, 2015, with the goal of replacing the AS365 and EC155 models in the company's lineup. The Airbus H160 uses advanced technologies and manufacturing materials to create a lighter, more efficient design. One of the weight-saving innovations is the replacement of conventional landing gear and hydraulic brakes with electric systems, making it the world's first helicopter to feature this.

The Airbus H160 is also available in a military version called the 160M, which is the fastest civilian helicopter in the world. While the cruise speed of the Airbus H160 is 287 km/h (178.3 mph), its maximum speed reaches 325 km/h (201.9 mph). It boasts being one of the best helicopters ever made and is the first to use electric landing gear and brakes. Additionally, the H160 features a Fenestron anti-torque tail rotor and the 160M variant offers digital technical support for safe operations.

Westland Lynx is a British twin-engine military utility helicopter designed and manufactured by Westland Helicopters at their Yeovil factory. Initially conceived as a multi-role aircraft for both civilian and naval use, its military versatility led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants. Introduced in 1977, the Lynx was adopted by the armed forces of over a dozen countries, mainly serving in utility roles on the battlefield, anti-armor, search and rescue, and anti-submarine operations.

The Westland Lynx was the first helicopter of its kind and its design served as the foundation for the AW159. Capable of reaching an average speed of 324 km/h (201 mph), the Lynx once held the record for the fastest helicopter in the world. In 1986, a modified version of the Lynx achieved a remarkable speed of 400 km/h (250 mph), setting a new record for rotary-wing aircraft.

Eurocopter EC155 is a twin-engine helicopter known for its speed and versatility, ideal for various missions including law enforcement, private flights, and business transportation. The EC155 is based on the Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin 2, with the key improvement being a significantly larger cabin space. This helicopter can carry up to 13 passengers and 1 or 2 crew members, making it suitable for passenger transport, offshore support, VIP business transport, and casualty evacuation.

The design of the Eurocopter EC155 features a fully redesigned cabin that offers 30% more passenger space and increases luggage capacity by 130% compared to previous Dauphin models. It has a cruising speed of 300 km/h (186.3 mph) and a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph). Its Spheriflex main rotor blades deliver superior handling, stable flight, and a smooth operation, even at high speeds. Additionally, the Fenestron tail rotor reduces noise and maintenance requirements.

Mil Mi-28 (NATO code name "Havoc") is a twin-seat, all-weather, day-and-night capable attack helicopter designed for anti-armour operations by the Soviet military. Unlike the more versatile Mil Mi-24, the Mi-28 is specialized as a pure attack helicopter with no secondary transport capability. It features a five-blade main rotor mounted atop the fuselage, short and wide, tapered blades. The helicopter is equipped with a single cannon mounted in a barbette beneath the nose, along with external payloads carried on pylons beneath its stub wings.

Thanks to energy-absorbing landing gear and seats, the crew can survive vertical falls at speeds of up to 12 m/s. The Mil Mi-28 can reach speeds slightly higher than the Mi-26, with a maximum speed of about 320 km/h (200 mph), although sustained high-speed flight is limited due to performance concerns. A notable variant, the Mil Mi-28N, also known as the “Night Hunter,” has enhanced night operations capabilities, a crucial feature for modern warfare, which extends beyond daylight hours.

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter developed by Boeing (originally by Vertol) to carry heavy payloads such as tanks and aircraft. As one of the most powerful heavy-lift helicopters in the Western world, the Chinook is powered by twin turbine engines mounted on either side of the fuselage, driving the large rotor blades via a transmission shaft. It has served for over 50 years and is used in both military and civilian roles, similar to Russia's Mil Mi-26. The Chinook can reach speeds of 302 km/h (188 mph).

Improved versions of the Chinook have been developed over the years. One significant model is the CH-47D, introduced in 1982, which includes upgrades such as enhanced engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit to reduce crew workload, and advanced avionics and electrical systems, making it one of the most capable variants of the helicopter.

The Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" is a two-seat attack helicopter from Russia, renowned for its adaptability and combat capabilities. Developed by Kamov, the Ka-52 serves both as an attack and long-range reconnaissance helicopter. It shares significant design elements with its predecessor, the single-seat Ka-50, retaining the iconic coaxial rotor system, a distinctive feature of Kamov helicopters.

Speed is a critical consideration for Kamov, which is why they used parts from their previous helicopter designs and collaborated with IAI to enhance the Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator". The coaxial (dual) rotors, adapted from the KA-32, contribute to the Ka-52's speed. Designed to reach a maximum speed of 270 km/h (170 mph), the KA-52 can exceed this speed, briefly hitting up to 315 km/h (196 mph), although this is not sustainable, reducing its overall utility in prolonged missions.

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the world’s fastest tiltrotor aircraft. In just 12 seconds, it can fully transition from a plane to a helicopter. With the ability to take off, land, and hover like a helicopter, the V-22 Osprey is the most versatile hybrid aircraft of its kind. Developed by Bell, it operates with the same functionality as a helicopter, but technically, it can fly like an airplane when needed and take off as a conventional aircraft.

As an airplane, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey cruises at a constant speed of 565 km/h (351 mph). Its maximum recorded speed in helicopter mode is 509 km/h (316 mph). The USAF, USN, and USMC are the primary operators of the V-22, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces have also ordered the aircraft. Despite experiencing more crashes than other aircraft, many USMC pilots still aspire to fly the V-22 Osprey at least once in their careers.

The Eurocopter X3 was developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) as part of a new, undisclosed generation of agile helicopters. Defying the traditional rules of helicopter design, the X3 reduces its rotor speed by nearly 15% instead of increasing it. Additionally, it features two stabilizing rotors mounted on either side of the aircraft's fuselage. These rotors not only enhance the X3's stability but also improve speed and reduce drag. The Eurocopter X3 is capable of tilting its angle of flight from -10 to +15 degrees.

With a cruising speed of 407 km/h (253 mph) and a top speed of 472 km/h (293 mph), the X3 can achieve impressive speeds. However, flying at such high speeds frequently can shorten the aircraft's operational life. In reality, the Eurocopter X3 was not widely adopted, as Airbus primarily produced it to demonstrate their advanced technology for high-speed helicopters. In June 2014, the X3 was retired and placed in the French aviation museum in Saint-Victoret.

The US military's helicopter fleet is aging much faster than expected. To replace the outdated helicopters, the US Army initiated the Future Vertical Lift program. The Sikorsky X2 was developed as a prototype for this program, with Sikorsky investing $50 million to bring it to life. In an effort to reduce drag and increase speed, Sikorsky equipped the X2 with a coaxial rotor (similar to the Kamov Ka-52) at the rear of the fuselage, along with a tail rotor. Unlike the Eurocopter X3, the Sikorsky X2 combines high speed with full operational functionality.

As the fastest helicopter in the world among traditional rotorcraft designs, the Sikorsky X2 holds the title for the fastest traditional helicopter. Interestingly, the company that created the first-ever helicopter also developed the fastest one. The Sikorsky X2 can achieve speeds of 460 km/h (290 mph). The Boeing-Sikorsky SB-1 Defiant and Sikorsky S-97 Raider are two of the main helicopter models derived from the X2 and are currently in use by the US military.