Turbine Helicopters for Sale

The largest civilian helicopter is the Mil MI-26, better known as the Halo. It is a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter operated by military and civilian operations. It is also the largest and most powerful helicopter to have gone into serial production (also known as mass production/flow production or continuous production.)

The Halo is powered by two 11,000 horsepower turboshaft engines and is manned by a crew of five with the capacity to carry up to 44,000lbs at a time. It measures over 40 meters in length and is as tall as a three story building at 8.14 meters high. The Mi-26 has a cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes. Costing about $12million, it is operated all across the world. Fun Fact: India was the first country to purchase the Halo/Mi-26 helicopter.

In High Density Configuration, the Bell 525 Relentless can carry two crew and up to twenty passengers over a distance of 580nm (1,074km) at a maximum cruising speed of 160kts (286km/h) at 8,100ft (2,469m). The helicopter is powered by two General Electric CT7-2F1 gas turboshaft engines with Dual FADEC.

Offering flexibility in terms of range and endurance, the Airbus H175 cruises at 150kts (277km/h) with the capacity to ferry up to eighteen passengers (and two crew) up to a 590nm (1,092km) powered by the very reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6C-67E engines, contributes to a smooth flight with less cabin noise.

The Agusta AW139 (now part of Leonardo Helicopters) is a medium sized helicopter that can comfortably transport up to fifteen passengers with a range of up to 675nm (1,250km) at a maximum cruising speed of 165kts (305km/h)

The Bell 412 EPI boasts the widest cabin opening in its class with seating for up to fourteen passengers (and one crew), cruising at a max speed of 120kts (230km/h) with range of 363nm (627km) and a maximum endurance of approximately 3.8 Hours

American Kaman K-Max K-1200 has intermeshing rotors (also known as synchropter) developed and manufactured around its cargo hook by Kaman Aircraft, is able to lift up to 6,000lbs (approximately 2,700kg) of payload – more than the aircraft’s empty weight (approximately 5,145lb/,2,334kg). This single seater helicopter has a reputation for being extremely reliable in hot, high, dirty and dangerous conditions, providing a unique lifting capability in the utility market.

The multi-purpose utility Bell 412EPi is a member of the renowned Huey workhorse family manufactured by Bell, featuring electronic (digital) engine control for the upgraded PT6T-9 engine and flaunting a useful load of 4,936lbs (2,239kg) with a maximum cargo hook limit of 4,500lbs (2,041kg).

Robinson Helicopters recently received FAA approval for its cargo hook installation on the R66 Turbine, increasing the maximum gross weight from 2,700lbs (1,224kg) to 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) as an optional extra. Boasting a separate cargo compartment, this five seater helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 engine with an average fuel consumption of 23 US Gallons (87l) per hour.

Typically, the Bell 407 seating configuration accommodates seven people (one crew and six passengers) with an internal payload of 2,347 lbs (1,065kg) and a maximum hook capacity of 2,646lbs (1,200kg). This is a four blade, civil utility helicopter derived from the Bell 206L-3 Long Ranger, used for corporate and off-shore transport, aerial photography, emergency medical services and law enforcement.

The Airbus H125 (formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350B3) has the capacity of carrying 3,080lbs (1,400kg) on a cargo hook. This single, high performance helicopter is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine and is most popular for passenger transport and utility operations. The standard seating arrangement carries six people (one crew and five passengers) and offers tie-down rings for the transport of cargo. The H125 has the capability for an extended cargo sling.

Flying a helicopter need not be expensive, if you are making use of a fuel-efficient aircraft.

Considering that the Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger is no longer in production, it still remains one of the most fuel efficient five seat helicopters in its class consuming 27 (US) gallons (102l) at an average cruise speed of 110kts (205km/h) over a range of 359nm (665km) at a maximum altitude of 10,000ft (3,050m). This single turbine, light helicopter has a seating capacity for one pilot and four passengers and it powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C20J 420 hp turboshaft engine.

Equipped with a Rolls-Royce 250C-30 650shp engine, the MD 530F consumes approximately 35 (US) gallons (132l) an hour whilst cruising at a speed of 134kts (248km/h) over a range of 260nm (481km) at 16,000ft (4,876m) The fuselage is structured to absorb energy in the case of impact, acting as a roll cage.

The Airbus H120 (formerly known as the Eurocopter EC120 Colibri) is a single engine helicopter powered by the powerful Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft engine. The wide open airconditioned cabin has plenty of legroom for up to four passengers (excluding one pilot). Additional cabin comfort is provided by the Fenestron tail rotor and insulated cabin with low vibration levels, making it one of the quietest helicopters in its class. Consuming approximately 30 (US) gallons (113l) an hour over a 383nm (709km) range at 125kts (231km/h) flying at an altitude of 17,000ft (5,180m)

The MD600N (McDonnell Douglas) helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce turbo shaft engine and has a fuel consumption of 2nm (3.7km) per (US) gallon, delivering an approximate range of 380nm (703km) burning roughly 40 (US) gallons (151l) an hour at an altitude of 20,000ft (6096m). Six main rotor blades folded and easily stowed. The cabin features sliding bubble windows for increased visibility and provides seating for a pilot and up to seven passengers in standard club configuration.

AgustaWestland AW119 Koala (produced by Leonardo helicopters since 2016) is a single engine utility helicopter powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A capable of carrying a pilot and up to seven passengers whilst cruising at 261kts (483km/h) over a range of 546nm (1,013km) burning 70 (US) gallons (264l) an hour.

Twin and single-engine turbine helicopters have virtually the same extent of safety. Almost 95% of helicopter accidents, including ground impact, power line collisions, etc. does not derive from single- or twin engine turbine helicopters.

Bell Helicopters has produced the most aircraft with the least amount of aircraft accidents in history. Standard safety features in Bell 505 Jet Ranger X include a crash resistant (anti-rupture) fuel system, crash attenuating seats and four-point safety harnesses for passengers and crew.

In the same account, the twin-engined MI-17-V5, of Russian origin military helicopter is said to be one of the safest rotary aircraft ever built. Introduced in 1975, continuing through to 2021, this medium twin-turbine is mostly used for military use as an armed gunship.

Enstrom also has an exceptional safety track record due to safety features such as energy-absorbing landing gear, high-inertia rotor system benefiting autorotation capability and the clear tail rotor that enables superb control in high winds.

Sikorsky enjoyed a relative strong safety record and peaceful existence for over forty years. That is until basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old little girl, crew and fellow passengers perished in an aircraft accident on 26 January 2020, completely destroying the S-76B they were travelling in, causing and internet sensation and speculation frenzy. The aircraft crashed in Calabasas, California en-route to the Camarillo Airport after taking off from the John Wayne Airport. The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) determined that the probable cause of the accident was due to the pilot opting to carry on flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) into IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) which resulted in the pilot becoming spacially disorientated and losing control of the aircraft.

Airbus Helicopters pride themselves on the distinctive safety features that they have incorporated through the entire range on offer. Most characteristic is the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor that Airbus developed in the 1960’s, safeguarding bystanders and ground personnel from the hazardous spinning of the blades and protecting the blades within its fantail design. Starflex, Spheriflex and BMR (Bearingless Main Rotor) were also developments from Airbus themselves. In addition, all Airbus Helicopters are fitted with energy absorbing seats and inertial reel locking systems.

AgustaWestland (now Leonardo S.p.A) produced the twin engine, medium-lift helicopter to serve a multitude of purposes such as passenger transport, SAR (Search and Rescue) missions, and offshore transport servicing the oil and gas industry. Leonardo AW189 is has a top speed of 169kts (313km/h) making it one of the fastest helicopters in its class. Short on its heels follows the family members AW109 with a top speed of 167kts (311km/h).

American manufacturer Sikorsky Helicopters manufactured the S-92 as a civil version of the H-92 Superhawk offering a top speed of 165kts (306km/h) and is available in a number of different configurations. For civil transportation it offers up to nineteen passenger seating in airliner configuration and twenty-two passenger seating in utility configuration.

Although the recommended normal cruise speed for the Airbus H175 (formerly known as the Eurocopter EC175) is 150kts, this twin-engine medium size helicopter can reach a top speed of up to 159kts (296km/h). It has the capacity to haul up to seven tonnes and can reach a range up to 650nm (1,204km)

The Mil Mi-26T entered into service in 1985 and was manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant Russia until production ceased in 2015. It has the capacity to carry five crew and up to one hundred with a top speed of 159kts (295km/h) Renowned as the second most powerful and second largest helicopter in the world, the twin engine heavy transport aircraft serves both civilian and military missions.

The civil Airbus H225 (formerly known as the Eurocopter EC155 B1) has a maximum speed of (Velocity Never Exceed) of 324km/h. Its cruise speed is approximately 287km/h with a service level not exceeding 6,000 ft. Featuring high set main rotor blades, a hidden tail rotor and four-axis auto-pilot enables greater hover operation in excessive conditions, ensuring reliable operations. Alternative missions include VIP/Corporate transport, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), SAR (Search and Rescue), Para public and Long-haul & Inter-Rig Shuttle transit.

We have found that the least expensive turbine helicopter to acquire currently is the Sikorsky Schweizer S333. At the price of a mere $315,000, for a low time 2007 production model, the Sikorsky Schweizer is one of the most favourable turbine helicopters on the market, not only for military use, but for training too! Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 Turboshaft engine, this four-seater aircraft features new technology rotor blades, cambered air foil and larger diameter rotor, increased gross weight, increased useful load an increased speed and hover performance.

Unfortunately, no longer in production, but still a very popular turbine helicopter is the Bell 206B III Jet Ranger. Starting from $480,000 for an earlier model, up to just under $700,000 for a later specimen, the Bell 206B III is renowned for its reliability, performance, and sheer comfort.

Replacing Bell 206B Jet Ranger III, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X features a bigger tinted windshield and larger tinted bubble windows for increased visibility, a sleek contour design and a state-of-the-art avionics suite. New, depending on the configuration, the Jet Ranger 505X could set you back $1,5million. If you are in a hurry and don’t feel like waiting for your own customized helicopter, used options are available ranging from $1,800,000 to $2,150,000.

Robinson Helicopters offers the very versatile R66 Turbine that is also available in a Marine configuration equipped with emergency pop-up floats that inflate in seconds after being activated, offering additional safety when flying over water. The R66 Turbine is reliable, easy to maintain and affordable to operate. When buying new, your choice of configuration will determine the price you will ultimately pay. Pre-owned R66 Turbines retail between $675,000 for the earlier models and up to just under $2,000,000 for a later model.

McDonnell Douglas offers the five bladed turbine engine light utility helicopter new at less than $2,000,000 Aircraft Base Price. Not too many used MD helicopters are available for sale at present. Owners are reluctant to dispose of this nifty helicopter, because of the price of replacement, low current cost of ownership and dependability on reliability on safety.

The most popular turbine helicopter manufacturers are Agusta, Airbus/Eurocopter, Bell, Leonardo, McDonell Douglas and Robinson.

Built by the Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A (previously known as AgustaWestland) the Agusta A109 is a lightweight, twin engine, multi-purpose helicopter first introduced in 1976.  An aircraft used in various roles such as transport, medevac, search and rescue and also limited military missions. It has been in production for more than 40years.

Record-holding Airbus H125 (formerly known as the AS350 B3) for the highest altitude landing and take-of from Mount Everest at 29,029 ft (8,848 m), this helicopter can carry 1 or 2 crew members and up to 6 passengers cruising at a speed of 140 kts at a range of up to 340nm.

Bell Helicopters are best known in the turbine helicopter market segment for being responsible for the manufacturing of rotor wing aircraft most appealing to the VIP and corporate sector. Providing Six passengers and one pilot with a spacious cabin finished in luxurious leather, reaching a cruise speed of 155 kts and a 411nm range, the Bell 429 does not only offer fast service to the mission, but also delivers it in extreme comfort.

Powered by either the 420hp Rolls-Royce 250-C20B or 450shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine, the MD 500E delivers the highest speed, best payload and most productivity in its class, offering unsurpassed flexibility for the vast range of customer-based missions. Cruising at approximately 290nm at a cruise speed of 135 kts comfortably transporting five passengers. The MD 520N features the NOTAR System (No tail rotor system) exclusively developed by McDonell Douglas Helicopter Systems, eliminating the disadvantages of a tail rotor, long drive shafts, hanger bearings, intermediate gearbox, and ninety-degree gearbox. Powered by the 450shp Rolls-Royce 25-C20R/2 includes a fully articulated five blade main rotor system with the no tail rotor anti-torque system.

When Robinson Helicopters introduced the concept of a turbine helicopter that was based on the very successful R44 Raven concept, the aviation industry was sceptical. With more than a thousand units delivered since production started in 2011, Robinson Helicopters proved that the R66 Turbine is as reliable, cost-effective, and extremely popular as the rest of the Robinson array. The five seater turbine helicopter is powered by dependable Rolls-Royce RR3300 engine and offers a separate baggage compartment to the aft of the airframe.