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The helicopter industry plays a key role in the aerospace industry, spanning a wide range of applications from military operations and emergency medical services to executive transport and tourism . As per a report released by Allied Market Research , the global helicopter market was valued at approximately USD 21.7 billion in 2020. It is forecast to reach USD 27.7 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 3. 5% during the forecast period between 2021 and 2027.
Meet some helicopter manufacturers
Airbus Helicopters
The company is recognized as one of the main producers of helicopters on a global scale and offers a wide selection of models for numerous purposes. Among them, we highlight the H125 , H135 , H145 , H160 and H225. Each example has particularities in terms of technical specifications, load capacity, maximum speed and range.
Bell Helicopters
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – USA, Bell Helicopters has over eight decades of experience in manufacturing helicopters. Among the most renowned models are the Bell 206 JetRanger, Bell 407 and Bell 429 . The Bell 206 JetRanger, predecessor of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X , is widely known due to its versatility and can be used to transport passengers and even for training pilots.
Leonardo Helicopters
The Italian manufacturer supplies several models of twin-turbine helicopters, both for civil and military use. Among the most renowned models are the AW119Kx , AW139 and AW169 , which differ in payload capacity, range and maximum speed.
Robinson
The American company Robinson focuses on the production of light helicopters for civil use. Its most notable models are the R22 and R44 , used by early career pilots. These models are known to be reliable, easy to maintain and have a low operating cost.
Sikorsky
Aiming to produce helicopters for various applications, including civil and military use, the best known models are the S-92, S-76 and UH-60 Black Hawk. Each has unique characteristics such as payload, range and top speed, meeting the different needs of customers from oil companies, air taxi and executive customers to militaries around the globe.
Differences between single and twin turbine helicopters
From the point of view of the project, the helicopters can be categorized into two classes: single-turbines and twin-turbines, depending on the number of engines that they are equipped with. The twin-turbine helicopters enjoy advantages in relation to the single-turbines, such as the ability to continue as I do in case of failure of two engines, giving them greater safety. Additionally, they generally feature greater payload capacity, range, and top speed. Still, the inherent complexity of the two-engine system contributed to the fact that these helicopters are more expensive in terms of operation and maintenance when compared to single-turbine ones.
Main models of helicopters in operation in Brazil
Airbus Helicopters
AS350-B3 (H125)
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 5 to 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engine: 1x Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft
Power: 847 shp (634 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
Endurance: 3.5 hours (with standard fuel tank of 663 liters)
H-135
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 6 to 8 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engines: 2x Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 Plus turboshaft
Power: 2 x 690 shp (2 x 515 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 135 knots (250 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
Endurance: 3.6 hours (with standard fuel tank of 882 liters)
Bell Helicopters
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 4 to 5 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engine: 1x Turbomeca Arrius 2R turboshaft
Power: 504 shp (376 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 125 knots (232 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 135 knots (250 km/h)
Endurance: 3.5 hours (with standard fuel tank of 363 liters)
Bell 407
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce 250-C47 turboshaft
Power: 813 shp (606 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 153 knots (283 km/h)
Endurance: 3.5 hours (with standard fuel tank of 416 liters)
Bell 429
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 7 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 turboshaft
Power: 2 x 630 shp (2 x 470 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 155 knots (287 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 175 knots (324 km/h)
Endurance: 4 hours (with standard fuel tank of 1,191 liters)
Leonardo Helicopters
AW109 Grand New
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 6 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft
Power: 2 x 735 shp (2 x 548 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 157 knots (291 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 177 knots (327 km/h)
Endurance: 4 hours (with standard fuel tank of 764 liters)
Robinson Helicopters
Robinson R44
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 3 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engine: Lycoming O-540 in-line six-cylinder, air-cooled
Power: 245 hp (183 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 110 knots (204 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 130 knots (240 km/h)
Endurance: 3.5 hours (with standard 246 liter fuel tank)
Robinson R66
Specifications*
Capacity: pilot plus 4 passengers (depending on cabin configuration)
Engine: Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft
Power: 300 hp (224 kW)
Maximum cruising speed: 140 knots (259 km/h)
Maximum flight speed: 152 knots (282 km/h)
Endurance: 4.1 hours (with standard 246 liter fuel tank)
*Specific configurations may vary depending on the modifications and equipment installed on each helicopter.
Comparison between helicopters
| Model | Capacity | Capacity | Power | Maximum cruising speed | Max flight speed | Endurance |
| H125 | pilot + 6 passengers | Safran Arriel 2D | 952 shp (710 kW) | 140 knots (259 km/h) | 155 knots (287 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 775 liter tank) |
| H135 | pilot + 6 passengers | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 | 634 shp (474 kW) | 143 knots (265 km/h) | 155 knots (287 km/h) | 3.4 hours (with 584 liter tank) |
| Bell 505 | pilot + 4 passengers | Safran Arrius 2R | 504 shp (375 kW) | 125 knots (232 km/h) | 135 knots (250 km/h) | 3.3 hours (with 401 liter tank) |
| Bell 407 | pilot + 6 passengers | Rolls-Royce 250-C47B/8 | 813 shp (606 kW) | 133 knots (246 km/h) | 153 knots (283 km/h) | 3.6 hours (with 416 liter tank) |
| Bell 429 | pilot + 7 passengers | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 | 1.000 shp (746 kW) | 150 knots (278 km/h) | 175 knots (324 km/h) | 4.5 hours (with 573 liter tank) |
| AW109 Grand New | pilot + 6 passengers | Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C | 2 x 735 shp (2 x 548 kW) | 157 knots (291 km/h) | 177 knots (327 km/h) | 4 hours (with 764 liter tank) |
| R44 | pilot + 3 passengers | Lycoming O-540 | 245 hp (183 kW) | 110 knots (204 km/h) | 130 knots (240 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 246 liter tank) |
| R66 | pilot + 4 passengers | Rolls-Royce RR300 | 300 hp (224 kW) | 140 knots (259 km/h) | 130 knots (240 km/h) | 3.5 hours (with 246 liter tank) |
Cost comparison
The following table presents a price comparison of helicopters in the US market in 2018:
| Model | Average price (USD) |
| H125 | $3,900,000 |
| H135 | $6,200,000 |
| Bell 505 | $1,350,000 |
| Bell 407 | $3,800,000 |
| Bell 429 | $8,000,000 |
| AW109 Grand New | $7,000,000 |
| R44 | $500,000 |
| R66 | $1,200,000 |
Buy your Helicopter with Flapper
Did you know that, in addition to being a pioneer in the field of chartering air taxis and executive jets in Brazil, Flapper also has a Sales and Acquisitions Department? Now we operate in the field of consulting in the purchase and sale of aircraft, offering the premium service for which we have been recognized since 2017 in Brazil.
The helicopters shown are some of the many models available for business. You can check the list of aircraft on our website or app, browsing through the different categories – helicopters, turboprops, light jets, long range jets, etc.
Our team is in a unique position to offer a complete consultancy, knowing the needs of the customers and studying, together, the best aircraft option for each specific request.
With the chosen model, we also make sure that the helicopter or plane to be purchased is in accordance with what was announced, carrying out a complete verification. Finally, we are responsible for closing the deal and, if necessary, we make the international transfer of the purchased aircraft.
Has interest? Check now the options we have in our portfolio. For more information, contact us via the link below.