See full version: 10 Largest Helicopters in the World
Originally developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant, this multipurpose aircraft is intended for use both in transportation of passengers and cargo, as well as emergency and rescue missions. Its spacious interior can also transport much-needed medical supplies and operate as a mobile hospital. The Mi-38 offers a new level of versatility that has caught the eye of other professionals outside Russian forces, such as the Indian Air Chief Marshal. here
The V-22 Osprey can reach speeds up to twice that of a normal helicopter, and can accommodate 24 combat troops for transport. [links]
Previous variations of the Chinook were used in the Vietnam and Gulf wars to transport weapons and troops.
So, just how big can these versatile aircraft get? Let’s take a look at 10 of the largest helicopters in the world and learn about which features set each of them apart from the rest.
The H225M was crafted to meet French Air Force requirements for Combat Search and Rescue missions. It was designed by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, and is formally classified as a multi-role long-range tactical transport helicopter. Alongside its versatility, it also provides the unique opportunity to be equipped with rocket launchers. here
The US Navy faced a major problem during the early decades of the Cold War. The Soviet Union built a fleet of over 200 submarines and tracking them was getting extremely difficult and troublesome. The Seaking, which first flew in 1959, was the solution to that problem. It was a huge naval helicopter for that time and debuted a number of features including turboshaft engines and an amphibious design which would allow it to land on water. To perform its primary duty of hunting submarines, it was equipped with a dipping sonar, dozens of sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly detector, depth charges and torpedoes. It’s long endurance coupled with its vast array of anti-submarine attachments made it the most capable and widely used ASW helicopter of the 20th Century.
A civil S-64 variant on firefighting duty here
The Cobra was initially armed with 7.62 mm miniguns, 40 mm grenade launchers and rockets, which allowed it to take out hidden targets through the jungle canopy. The Vietcong would have been terrified of the venom spitting cobras which could sneak up on them and destroy anything in its path. They proved themselves to be so useful that over 1000 Cobras were built over a period of 4 years during the Vietnam War. It lives on to this day in the form of the US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper, which is a heavily upgraded version of the AH-1. [links]
With these impressive numbers, tiltrotors could be where the future of business helicopters is headed. While the 360 Invictus and V-280 Valor are strictly military-focused at this point in time, a Bell rep tells us that the the V-280 might someday be available in a commercial version, which would make it the most badass business whirlybird in the world. Bell says the V-280’s capabilities range from air assault, rapid combat and special ops to medevac missions, which could translate to a host of corporate applications as well. more
The Sikorsky S-76 series is used by several countries to transport their heads of state. here
ACH130 Aston Martin Edition more
The company describes the new Bell 360 Invictus, “designed to provide attack, reconnaissance, and intelligence to shape the tactical environment and deliver operational overmatch in highly complex multi-domain operations,” as: “Versatile. Lethal. Sustainable.” Change “lethal” to “luxurious” and it could easily give the S-76D a run for its money. [links]
Frédéric Lemos, Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters, says the chopper will appeal to owners who also enjoy flying their own aircraft. “The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is optimally positioned in the market for hands-on owners who draw satisfaction from personally piloting their aircraft and it generates strong brand loyalty,” he notes. “In the same way, Aston Martin’s products are cars for drivers who relish being at the wheel, and they inspire a comparable attachment to the brand.” [links]
Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale
Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity Agreed Upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on Behalf of Themselves, Their Heirs and Successors Under the Mediation of the Resident of the Persian Gulf, 1853
(This treaty gave the region the name “Trucial States”.)
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500). more
Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale