Ten Popular Helicopters on the Market Today

In 1939 on September 14, the VS-300, was the birth of the first helicopter taking its first flight at Stratford, Connecticut. Designed and built by Igor Sikorsky and the Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division of the United Aircraft Corporation, the helicopter was a first in helicopter design. There has been a lot of development since: Let’s have a look at the most popular helicopters since then:

Sikorsky S-76

Manufactured by American Sikorsky the most popular medium sized helicopter ever created for mainly business use, the Sikorsky S-76 is a two crew, up to fourteen passenger, large cabin helicopter that is equipped with the ground-breaking Collins ProLine II Four Tube Electronic Flight Display System and luxury interior. The exterior comprises of composite materials and is powered by twin Allison 250 engines, delivering a range of 760 km at a cruising speed of 287 km/h. Coined “The Office In The Sky”, this aircraft offers corporate individuals the opportunity to work hard, whilst enjoying a day out, having fun!

Agusta A109 Grand (Leonardo)

As with most helicopters, this aircraft has also seen a name change. Formerly known as the AgustaWestland AW109, the now known Leonardo AW109 is an Italian manufactured, twin-engine helicopter that is available in two configurations. You can opt for the elegant four-seat luxurious option, or the comfortable eight seat option. With its wide sliding doors on both sides, electronically activated retractable steps and extensive baggage room, this helicopter delivers service beyond expectation!

The avionics feature a reduced workload Glass Cockpit and Dual Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines ensuring a max cruise 289km/h with a range of 859 km.

Bell 429 / WLG (With Landing Gear)

Produced by American Bell Textron, this six-seating helicopter large cabin in club configuration, with its wide cabin door and ample legroom storage, is mainly used for business, but personal use too.  It has the option of a retractable landing gear, making taxing easy and simple. A smooth ride is provided by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 engines, delivering 155 kts cruising speed, a 411 nm range and endurance of up to 4.5 hours. The helicopter is suited with the Bell BasiX-Pro Integrated Avionics System with Garmin GTN-750/650 Touch Screen Glass Cockpit.

Airbus H125 (Formerly known as Eurocopter AS350 B3/Airbus AS3)

Manned by one single pilot or two pilot crew, this helicopter can carry up to six passengers, cruise at a speed of 140 kts, with a 30 min endurance and 340 nm range.

Equipped with the Garmin G500H TXi Instrument Panel and Vehicle and Engine Multi-Function Display developed exclusively by Airbus, it allows for pilots to check the main vehicle and engine parameters at a glance.

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engines with dual channel FADEC equipped with engine data recorder, automatic start-up and third independent automatic back-up channel, safety is at the forefront of this machine.

As a member of the highest landing take-off record on Mount Everest at 8,848 meters or 29,029 ft, still held today, this member of the Ecureuil family still continues to break international records in its class!

Bell 407

Equipped with the Garmin G100H NXi Integrated Flight Deck with Synthetic Vision Technology and Terrain Avoidance System providing enhanced pilot awareness, this one pilot, six passenger seating helicopter features a wide cabin with lavish leather interior with rich carpeting. Able to cruise at 133 kts and delivering a 337 nm range powered by a Rolls Royce 250-C47/E4 Turboshaft engine with FACEC. The large aft baggage compartment with its 16 ft 3-inch dimensions able to accommodate extra baggage, even a set or two of golf clubs!

Airbus H135 previously known as the Eurocopter EC135

Known to be the quietest helicopter in its range! Two engine options are available: the Safran Arrius 2B2+ or the Pratt & Whitney 206B with FADEC, giving a range of up to 342 nm at 136 kts cruise. In passenger configuration, the H135 can accommodate five passengers and two crew.

Featuring the Helionix Avionics Suite designed by Airbus, provides unprecedented flight safety levels with pilot assistance and situational awareness.

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

Introduced to the market in 2017, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a relatively young competitor that has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. With its flexible cabin design, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X can carry four passengers up to a 306 nm range. Powered by the Safran HE Arrius 2R turbine engine, the helicopter has a cruise speed of up to 125 kts.

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is complemented by the Garmin G1000H Fully Integrated Flight Deck, providing safety features such as Traffic Information System, Power Situation Indication and Engine Instruments and Crew Alerting System.

Robinson R66 Turbine

Designed by Frank D. Robinson and built by Robinson Helicopter Company, the R66 is constructed from advanced composite aluminium alloy and chromoly steel. The R66 Turbine offers five energy absorbing seats with a separate compartment to accommodate cargo up to 140 kg or 300 lbs. Powered by a Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine, it is able to cruise up to 204 km or 110 kts and offers a range of approximately 650 km or 350 nm.

Safety features include crashworthy bladder fuel tanks and hydraulic controls, eliminating feedback forces and providing responsive handling.  Avionics consist of a Garmin Avionics Suite, including GMA-350H Audio Panel, GTR-255 Com and GTX-355 Transponder with ADS-B Out.

Robinson R44 Raven II

The ever-popular Robinson R44 Raven II is the ideal aircraft for a small family of up to four. The cabin features storage under the energy absorbing seats. The Robinson R44 Raven II is powered by the six-cylinder, fuel injected Lycoming IO-540 engine, enabling it to cruise at 202 km/h or 109 kts and has a range of approximately 550 km or 300 nm.

Standard avionics are provided by Garmin with various optional equipment available.

Robinson R22 Beta II

Though the smallest of the helicopters featured in this article, this little two-seater is also one of the longest production helicopters, since 1979! Mostly used for training, the Robinson R22 is also a very popular helicopter used for pleasure flights. The Robinson R22 is also extremely easy to transport because there is no need to fold the blades or dismantle any equipment.

The Robinson R22 is powered by a Lycoming IO-360 four cylinder, air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, enabling a cruising speed of 102 kts or 178 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 8 – 10 gal/h, optimizing fuel economy whilst reaching an approximate range of 250 nm or 460 km.