Question 1

Turbine Helicopters for Sale

Accepted Answer

Allowing for higher speed and elevated operations, albeit more expensive than piston powered helicopters, turbine helicopters are much less complicated, more powerful and provide for a smoother flight, attributed to the noticeable reduction in vibration. Engine overhauls are also less frequent than those of a piston helicopter. Currently leading the turbine helicopter for sale market you will find the ever popular Agusta, Bell, Airbus (formerly known as Eurocopter), Konner and Robinson products. Find the best Turbine Helicopters for sale on AvPay.

Question 2

What is a Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

A turbine helicopter is a rotor aircraft that is powered by a gas turbine engine that does not require a clutch system separating the engine from the transmission. The gas turbine engine comprises of a compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and gearbox assembly. The air is compressed by the compressor, feeding the air into the combustion chamber. Fuel is mixed into the combustion chamber by fuel injectors and ignited, allowing the air/fuel mixture to expand. You could call it a tiny explosion of gas. This gas is then forcefully passed through a sequence of turbine wheels, which makes them rotate, delivering power to the engine compressor and main rotor system by means of an output shaft and finally ejected through the exhaust.

Igor Sikorsky designed the world’s first practical helicopter, the VS-300, which was built by Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division of the United Aircraft Corporation. It was the first helicopter to combine a single main rotor and tail rotor system. On the 14^th of September 1939, Igor strapped himself onto what we would now perceive to be a peculiar looking contraption and took off from Stratford, Connecticut, on a flight that lasted only a mere few seconds! Determined to not give up on his dreams, Igor revised his design and took the first free flight on May 13^th, 1940.

His concept and ideas for a direct lift aircraft, which includes all the major engineering features of the VS-300 has now become the standard for helicopter manufacturing across the globe. The aircraft was gifted to Henry Ford on October 7^th, 1943, to be included in his Edison Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, and remains on display today.

Working closely with Igor Sikorsky, who was on the verge of pioneering vertical aviation, Charles H. Kaman developed his enduring interest and passion in rotary-powered flight. At the age of 26 with just a couple of thousand dollars, the engineer founded Kaman Aircraft out of the garage of his family home in West Hartford in 1945.

Kaman’s designs looked and operated differently to Sikorsky’s. They featured two slightly angled, interconnecting rotors, eradicating the need for a tail rotor.

The first helicopter in the world to take to the skies powered by a turbine engine was the Kaman K-225. This historic event took place on 11 December 1951. On 26 March 1954, Kaman introduced to the skies the first ever twin-turbine helicopter, a K-225 helicopter with a retrofitted Boeing engine, taking off from Bloomfield and changing the future of vertical aviation forever.

Today, the fundamental design is still found in modern rotorcraft like the Leonardo (previously AgustaWestland) AW119Kx, Bell 525, Enstrom 280FX, Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel, and various models of McDonnell Douglas (MD Helicopters).

Question 3

What is the difference between a Piston and Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

Piston engines are also known as reciprocating engines and are usually used in the smaller type helicopters, because they are cheaper to manufacture and maintain than turbine engines. The biggest difference is the result of atmospheric conditions on energy (power). In the piston engine the power available depends on the density of altitude and in the turbine engine the power available is dependent on pressure altitude and temperature.

In most piston powered helicopters the pilot controls the engine rpm by means of the throttle on the collective. Power management in turbine helicopters is controlled through an electronic system more commonly known as FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) which controls the demand for power when collective changes occur.

Question 4

What is the best-selling Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

Looking at the latest figures released from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) of civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries for the first quarter of 2022, it seems that the market is slowly recovering from the effects of the pandemic that crippled the aviation sector from 2020. The top five best-selling helicopters are listed as below:

Robinson R66 Turbine (21 Units Sold)

Robinson Helicopters started the manufacturing of the Robinson R66 Turbine in 2011. Originally derived from the Robison R44, the R66 is the first turbine helicopter built by Robinson and the design includes an additional seat and features a separate cargo compartment at the rear of the helicopter. The light utility aircraft is also used for training.

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X (17 Units Sold)

Developed by Bell Helicopters and produced by Bell Textron Canada, the Bell 505 is easily adaptable with removable seats, flat floor and interior tie-downs. Corporate interior provides for customization and the cockpit is equipped with the state of the art Garmin G1000 Avionics Suite.

Airbus H125 (14 Units Sold)

Previously known as the Eurocopter AS350B3e, the light single turbine engine powered helicopter is a highly versatile helicopter delivering exceptional performance whilst offering a spacious cabin with seating for up to six passengers.

Airbus H145/H145M (10 Units Sold)

The new advanced edition of the H145 was introduced in 2020 boasting upgraded five bladed main rotor system, the twin turbine engine helicopter is much quieter and is able to operate with a useful load of 150kg. Cabin configuration is available in two options. Standard configuration provides seating for one or two crew and up to eight passengers. High Density configuration caters for one or two crew and up to ten passengers.

Leonardo AW119Kx (6 Units Sold)

As the first light single-engine helicopter to meet all IFR standards, the Leonardo (previously AgustaWestland/Agusta) AW119Kx offers a modern avionics suite featuring the Garmin G1000NXi glass cockpit, spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers and a separate large baggage compartment. Alternative to the Garmin Avionics Suite, the Genesys Aerosystems IFR glass cockpit is also available. Both avionics suites offer Synthetic Vision with HITS (Highway in the Sky) and HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System with worldwide terrain and obstacle data base and moving map.

Question 5

What are the best Turbine Helicopters?

Accepted Answer

There are more than 3,600 Bell 206 Jet Rangers in service across the world, making it one of the most popular and successful single turbine helicopters, dominating the commercial market for over forty years. This versatile helicopter is capable of completing a range of missions such aerial surveys, air taxi missions, corporate transport, utility missions and sightseeing flights. The Bell Jet Ranger can accommodate up to four passengers, cruising at 110kts (203km/h) and delivering a range of up to 334nm or just over six hundred kilometres.

The Bell 206L Long Ranger is a stretched version of the Bell Jet Ranger with a bigger engine that can carry up to seven passengers comfortably with a cruising speed of 205km/h or 110kts with a range of approximately 665kms or approximately 360nm.

For over thirty years the H125 (previously known as Eurocopter AS350 B3) has been primarily used for high-performance missions in hot and high conditions. This versatile, low maintenance helicopter seats seven passengers, cruising at approximately 75km/h or 140 kts with a 4-hour 30 minute endurance and range up to 340nm. The H125 is also the record holder of the highest altitude landing and take-off performed on Mount Everest at 29,029ft (8,848 meters) and the highest long line rescue operation on Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world at 25,590ft (7,800 meters) in the Himalayas.

Produced by McDonnell Douglas Helicopters, the MD500E is a lightweight helicopter that is powered by a Rolls-Royce engine (420hp or 450 hp) used for VIP, utility flights and law enforcement. Travelling at a max cruise speed of 135kts (250km/h) the four seater MD500E has a range of 290nm (537km) making it the highest speed, best payload and productivity in its class.

Known for its endurance, low sound levels, low operating and maintenance costs within the twin-turbine engine category, the Airbus H135 (formerly known as Eurocopter EC135 and prior to that, also called the Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm B0 105) performs various missions, operates well in hot and high conditions with low fuel consumption levels. The five seater helicopter is powered by two options of engines: Safran Arrius 2B2plus or Pratt & Whitney PW206B3, providing outstanding performance at 136kts (250km/h) and a range of up to 342nm (633km).

The first all-Italian helicopter to be mass produced was the AgustaWestland AW109 (now Leonardo S.p.A) a lightweight, twin engine, multi-purpose helicopter with a seating capacity of up to eight passengers. It has a top speed of 153kts (285km/h) and a range of 500nm (925km).

Question 6

How far can you fly a Turbine Helicopters?

Accepted Answer

Every Turbine Helicopter has a different range that it can fly. Normally the largest turbine helicopter can fly the farthest, but there are exceptions to this!

Agusta A109 GrandNew (now part of the Leonardo Helicopter Group) has the farthest range of all the commonly operated civil turbine helicopters up to 859km/464nm. The large cabin is finished in elegant, luxurious interior comfortably carrying 1-2 crew and up to 6 passengers in style.

The twelve passenger, two crew Sikorsky S76C++ helicopter has a range of 760km/410nm. This IFR certified helicopter replaces the S-76C+ with improvements such as two new Turbomeca Arriel engines, completely new gearbox, larger cabin windows and the Honeywell VXP Health and Usage Monitoring System. The large cabin is spacious, with VIP interior and the two cabin doors are equipped with pop-out windows.

Originally manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, the Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel (now Airbus Helicopters) can travel up to 705km/345nm, comfortably carrying up to six passengers at a cruise speed of approximately 120kts. This helicopter is perfect for VIP/Corporate travel or dedicated touring trips

With great performance delivery and the ability to serve various mission types such as Corporate, Law Enforcement and Utility, the Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger can fly approximately 694km/374nm with four passengers and one pilot. The aircraft is powered by the dependable Allison 250-C20B Turboshaft engine. In Corporate Configuration the cabin features corporate leather seating in high quality leather and floor protectors.

Considered as one of the most reliable helicopters in its class, the five seat Robinson R66 Turbine delivers a range of up to 601km/324 nm, powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 Turboshaft engine. The R66 Turbine is the first Robinson helicopter that features a separate cargo compartment to the rear of the helicopter, carrying up to 140kg/300lbs.

Whether it is used for transporting people or cargo, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X can fly up to 565km/305nm. The open cabin features the ability to adapt to different missions with integrated tie downs and movable seats.

A member of the proven Super Puma/Cougar family, the Airbus H215 L1 is a flexible, robust, heavyweight helicopter with the ability to travel up to 751km/406nm easily accommodating up to nineteen passengers or up to twelve seating in corporate/VIP configuration.

Depending on customer configuration, the Airbus H145 (formerly known as the Eurocopter EC145 T2) can carry up to nine passengers and two crew over a distance of approximately 650km/351nm. Mission capability includes EMS & SAR, Oil and Gas, Utility, Law Enforcement and Passenger Transportation.

The AgustaWestland AW139 (now part of Leonardo Helicopters), a medium sized, twin helicopter that features a spacious fifteen-seat cabin, advanced safety designs and state-of-the-art avionics capable of travelling a distance of up to 305km/165nm.

Originally designed and manufactured by Aerospatiale and Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) the single-engine, light utility helicopter is powered by either a Turbomeca Arriel or Lycoming LTS101 powerplant. The AS350BE or Squirrel is competent of travelling 638km/344nm

Most common turbine helicopter production models are Agusta, Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, Robinson and Sikorsky for excursions less than 600nm

Question 7

How much does a new or used Turbine helicopter cost?

Accepted Answer

Prospective purchasers looking to acquire a brand new Turbine Helicopter can expect to pay anything between $2,458m to up to, but not limited to $9,95m for a large twin engine helicopter.

Leading the turbine helicopter market is Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, Leonardo, MD Helicopter, Robinson and Sikorsky, with Hills Helicopters entering the new generation of GA 2.0 with the Hills HX50 concept.

Depending on the year model, an Augusta AW109-series helicopter can set you back $350,000 for an older age, up to $6 mil for a later model, pre-2016, when production started under the Leonardo Helicopters umbrella. Brand New Base Aircraft Price is $7,800,000 for the Leonardo AW109 Grand New.

Similar to Agusta and Leonardo, Eurocopter was renamed Airbus Helicopters in 2014. Earlier models are available from $625,000 for a 1980’s Eurocopter BO 105 up to $7,800,000 for a present model Airbus H145.

Dominating the VIP and Corporate sector, Bell (now part of Textron) has a wide range of helicopters available. Depending on the size, age, maintenance, and overall condition of the helicopter determines the selling price of the helicopter. Older helicopters cost less than the newer models. A 1961 Bell 204 can be purchased for as little as just less than $170,000 and a Bell 412EP for just over $4,400,000 currently. The base Aircraft Price for the Bell 412Epi is $12,500,000 with the Jet Ranger 505 X coming in at $1,400,000.

In 1997 McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing and the helicopter production unit was renamed MD Helicopters. A well maintained and operated helicopter retains its value, for example a late 1970’s McDonnell Douglas 500D can be purchased for just over $800,000 and the same but later 1980’s model retailing for just under $1,400,000. New (Base Aircraft Price) is listed at $2,750,000 for the MD500E.

Produced by Robinson Helicopters since 2011, the R66 Turbine helicopters is one of the most popular five seater turbine helicopters in its class. Starting out on the pre-owned market at around $630,000 for the early 2011 models up to just over $1,000,000 for the later models. New, the Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter pricing depends on the addition of optional extra’s and avionics installation with the base price listed at $998,000 and reasonably equipped at around $1,200,000

Question 8

What is the largest Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What Turbine helicopter can carry the most weight?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How efficient is a Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the safest Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the fastest Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is the cheapest Turbine Helicopter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Who are the main Turbine Helicopter manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

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.