18 Fastest Helicopters In The World 2023

Speed and efficiency are significantly more crucial than passenger comfort when designing a helicopter. Scientists and engineers in the field of aeronautics often spend years poring over schematics in an effort to increase the speed of helicopters. If you’re in the market for a fast helicopter, which one would you recommend? Learn the answer down below!

But first, what do you think about the fastest helicopter all around the globe?

Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the fastest helicopter in the world. In just 12 seconds, it can fully convert from an airplane into a helicopter. The ability to take off, land, and hover like a helicopter makes the V-22 Osprey the most versatile modern hybrid aircraft. With the amazing speed of 316 mph, it tops the list of fastest of all time.

In this article, we will be increasing speed as we keep going down, so fasten your seat belts.

The speed of a helicopter is usually a deciding factor in when it is employed. Rescue missions, transporting emergency supplies, and putting out forest fires all benefit greatly from the use of helicopters. They are used for reconnaissance, transportation, and other purposes by militaries around the world.

It is true that the military uses the vast majority of the world’s fastest helicopters. Since speed is crucial on the modern battlefield, militaries around the world continually engage in studies aimed at creating faster helicopters.
A collection of the world’s fastest helicopters is on display.

18. Boeing AH-64 “Apache” – 182 mph (293 kph)

One of the most recognizable and iconic military helicopters of all time is the Boeing AH-64 Apache. Although not the quickest, it is one of the fastest. Its top flight speed is 182 mph (293 kph), while its cruising speed is 161 mph (260 kph). Some more recent models can increase this speed even more.

The United States military is the main user of the Apache, which was first designed in the 1980s. In addition to participating in Operation Desert Storm, it also participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo. It is well known for its actions during the conflict with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Even though it isn’t the quickest helicopter in the world, the Apache is nevertheless one of the models that the military around the world wants the most. That’s because its combat abilities have a solid track record. According to Boeing, it will continue to be the best military helicopter well into the 2060s. Reliability is sometimes more crucial than speed.

17. Mil Mi-26 -183 mph (295 kph)

The largest helicopter in Russia is known as the Mi-26. This is why it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Mi-26 is still one of the world’s fastest helicopters, regardless of the weight it may be carrying.

Despite being almost 40 years old, the Mi-26 still has a large number of unfulfilled orders. There are many of the largest militaries in the world among the Mi-26’s current users, but there are also a number of civilian users.

The Mi-26 was built by Mil to carry a large payload. The Mi-26 needed to generate significantly more thrust than other helicopters in order to accomplish this. The end result was a very high speed in addition to a large payload.

The Mi-26 can fly at 158 mph (255 kph), all while carrying 90 soldiers or 44,090 lb (20,000 kg) of cargo. This contributes to it being one of the helicopters in our skies that is fastest!

16. Sikorsky UH-60 “Black Hawk” – 183 mph (294 kph)

Even among non-military and aviation enthusiasts, the Sikorsky UH-60 also referred to as the “Black Hawk,” is one of the most well-known military helicopters in the world. With a top cruising speed of 173 mph (280 kph) and an overall top speed of 183 mph (294 kph), it is also among the fastest.

The film Black Hawk Down, which centers on a troop of US Army Rangers whose Black Hawk helicopters are shot down in Somalia, has made the Sikorsky UH-60 well-recognized by the general public.

The Sikorsky UH-60 is one of the Army’s most adaptable helicopters in real life.

15. NH Industries NH-90 – 186 mph (300 kph)

The NH Industries NH-90 is tough to beat for versatility. This helicopter, which was created as a result of a partnership between several European weapon manufacturers, can perform a variety of tasks. With a top speed of 186 mph (300 kph), it is also quite quick.

This medium-speed helicopter can serve in a variety of capacities, such as transporting troops for the military or carrying cargo for commercial organizations. The two most common variants are the Tactical Transport Helicopter and the NATO Frigate Helicopter.

Due to the ability of each customer to customize the machines, the NH-90 is even more adaptable than it initially appears. In fact, it can help with naval operations. Due to numerous military complaints about the helicopter’s poor construction, versatility and speed are not matched by dependability.

14. AgustaWestland AW101 “Merlin” – 192 mph (309 kph)

One of the world’s fastest helicopters was invented by the European company AgustaWestland, which is now a division of the Italian firm Leonardo. The AW101, also known as the “Merlin,” is one of its military models and has a top speed of 192 mph (309 kph).

Other characteristics of the AW101 make it a desirable helicopter for military forces around the world as well as for civilian organizations needing a dependable machine. It is roomy and has enough cabin space to carry both cargo and troops, including weapons. It has cutting-edge safety features like an integrated missile defense system.

The British Royal Navy, which abruptly realized in the 1980s that they were reliant on old, unreliable helicopters, is supported by the AW101. Decades later, they still consider this helicopter to be among the most cutting-edge in existence.

13. AgustaWestland AW139 – 193 mph (310 kph)

Since the military is most likely to make investments in the development of faster helicopters and understands the urgency of flying quickly, it makes sense that almost all of the helicopters on this list are military helicopters. The AgustaWestland AW139 stands out from the crowd, though. This passenger helicopter has a top speed of 193 mph (310 kph) and a cruise speed of 190 mph (306 kph), which is only slightly slower.

The AW139 is well-liked for a variety of uses due to its speed and simple configurations. It is a favorite among VIP transportation planners because it is quick and still has room for up to 15 passengers. In situations where time is of the essence, such as search and rescue missions and medical evacuations, civilian agencies use it.

AgustaWestland began developing military variants of the AW139 because it is such a dependable and fast machine that even the world’s militaries wanted it.

12. Mil Mi-35 “Hind” – 193 mph (310 kph)

The Mi-35 is among the world’s fastest helicopters and one of Russia’s many alternatives to the UH-60. The Mi-35 is a modification of the popular Mil Mi-8, and Mikhail Mil personally worked on it just before he passed away.

The Mi-35 was created by Mikhail Mil to serve a variety of very different purposes, including those of an attack helicopter, troop carrier, and gunship, among others.

To perform all of these functions, whether it be to haul additional weight or outflank other helicopters, Mil had to design the Mi-35 to produce a lot of thrusts. The Mi-35 is incredibly quick as a result!

In actuality, the Russian military’s fleet of helicopters’ fastest model is the Mi-35. The Mi-35 was built by Mil to travel at 193mph (310kph), making it significantly faster than the Mi-26 and Mi-28.

11. AgustaWestland AW159 “Wildcat” – 193 mph (311 kph)

The AW159 Wildcat is another helicopter made by AgustaWestland for the Royal Navy. Despite having a usual top speed of 163 mph (263 kph), some more contemporary models can reach high speeds of 193 mph (311 kph).

The AW159 is a variant of the “Lynx,” an older Westland helicopter. While the AW159 is technologically more modern, the older helicopter is really faster. It is heavier and a little bit bigger. Additionally, it includes additional warfare protection, including plated armor and reinforced seats.

The South Korean Navy is one of the militaries that use the AW159 in addition to the British Royal Navy.

10. Kamov KA-52 “Alligator” – 196 mph (315 kph)

One of the fastest helicopters around the world, the second of Russia’s two responses to the US Apache, is also fast. The KA-52 was created by Kamov as a long-range scout and attack helicopter.

Speed was, therefore, one of Kamov’s most important considerations. As a result, Kamov used components from every helicopter it had created up to that point and collaborated with IAI to develop the KA-52 in part.

The coaxial (double) rotor, which was taken from the KA-32 and lent the KA-52 one of the strangest aircraft designs, is the main component that contributes to the KA-52’s speed.

The KA-52 was built by Kamov to travel at 170 mph (270 kph), but it can travel at higher speeds if necessary, up to 196 mph (315 kph), but only for brief periods of time, which reduces the KA-52’s useful life.

9. Boeing CH-47F “Chinook” – 196 mph (315 kph)

The Chinook, which is one of the fastest helicopters in the world, might be the best one in any air force’s fleet. The Chinook is one of just two aircraft produced for more than 50 years; in part because of this, the Chinook has been used by both military and civilian operators, much like its Russian counterpart, the Mil Mi-26 (although the Soviets did produce their own Chinook, the Yak 24).

The Chinook was built by Boeing (originally Vertol) to accommodate large payloads like tanks, rovers, and even other aircraft! The Chinook had to generate more thrust than any other helicopter as a result!

As a result, the Chinook now travels at 188 mph (302 kph). As with other helicopters, frequent use of the Chinook’s top speed of 196 mph (315 kph) will shorten its useful life.

8. Mil Mi-28 – 200 mph (320 kph)

The Mi-28, another top-notch helicopter made by Mil, moves at a slightly higher speed than the Mi-26. Although it has a top speed of about 200 mph (320 kph), it should not fly that fast for very long due to performance concerns.

Because the Soviet (and now Russian) military sought a countermeasure to the Apache’s incredible specifications, the Mi-28’s design is remarkably similar to that of Boeing’s Apache helicopter. There are many more Boeing Apaches than Mil Mi-28s in the world, despite the Mi-28 being marginally faster and less dependable in combat.

The Mil Mi-28N, also known as the “Night Hunter,” is a well-known variant of the Mil Mi-28 that has the capacity to change from day to night. Because modern warfare does not only take place during the day, this is very helpful.

7. Eurocopter EC155 – 201 mph (324 kph)

The H155 was formerly known as the EC155, then the Eurocopter, and finally, Airbus dubbed it the H155.

 The H155 is a twin-engine, swiftest helicopter that may be used for a variety of tasks, such as law enforcement and private and business flying.

The well-known Dauphin family of civilian helicopters has been upgraded with this five-ton aircraft. The cruise speed is 186.3 mph (300 kph), and the top speed is 201 mph (324 kph).

Its Spheriflex main rotor head offers superior handling, stable flight, and a smooth ride even at high speeds. Due to the Fenestron tail rotor being shrouded, the H155 has a low sound signature and requires less maintenance.

More yaw control and increased safety during ground operations, particularly in confined spaces, are both provided by the shrouded rotor concept.

The highly corrosion-resistant composite materials and light alloys used to construct airframe components ensure that they will meet mission requirements.

6. Westland Lynx – 201 mph (324 kph)

The Westland Lynx was the first helicopter ever built, and its design eventually became the foundation for the slightly slower AW159. It can go at an average speed of 201 mph (324 kph) when cruising.

The Westland Lynx once held the title of fastest aircraft in the world and has achieved speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 kilometers per hour). The flight that broke the record took place in 1986 and was set by a customized version of the Lynx that was able to fly at faster speeds than are typically achieved. Despite this, the fact that the Westland Lynx was at one time the quickest helicopter in the world is not altered by this new information.

Although the Westland Lynx was eventually phased out of service by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, for many years, it was considered to be among the very best helicopters in the world.

5. Airbus H160 – 202 mph (325 kph)

Based on the EASA-certified H160, the H160M is the first of a new generation of the fastest helicopters.

It is extremely safe to fly and has low operating costs. The most recent technological advancements in French aviation are fitted to the H160M.

The AS365 Dauphin’s replacement is the next helicopter on the list. After all, The Dauphin has been around since 1975.

The H160 is available in a military version known as the 160 M, which is the fastest civilian helicopter in the world. While the cruise speed is 178.3 mph (287 kph), the maximum speed is 201.9 mph (325 kph).

The H160 boasts the best in production and is the first aircraft in the world with an electric landing gear and brake assembly. Additionally, the H160M has the ability to connect to a safe digital support environment.

4. Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin – 231 mph (372 kph)

The SA 365/AS365 Dauphin 2 (Dolphin), a versatile medium-weight twin-engine helicopter from Eurocopter, is the fastest helicopter in the world.

The civilian transport helicopter is the AS365 Dauphin, which in 1991 set a world record speed of 231 mph (372 kph) over a 3-kilometer course.

It’s interesting that it is faster than the H160M, which is the quickest conventional military transport helicopter. In the world of helicopters, the Dauphin is also only second to the tiltrotor models.

One of the Dauphin’s distinguishing characteristics is its fenestron tail rotor. Since 1975, the helicopter has broken many records, including the one for the quickest flight between London and Paris.

A prototype reached this speed at 200 mph (322 kph). Few countries use Dauphin’s military version, which is also available.

Despite the fact that the Dauphin has been modified by nations like China to function as an attack helicopter, Pawan Hans of India owns the largest civilian Dauphin fleet.

3. Sikorsky X2 – 290 mph (460 kph)

The Sikorsky X2 is the fastest helicopter on earth if we’re talking about traditional helicopters, which have a design similar to the first helicopters. It’s only fitting that the company that created the first helicopter also creates the fastest!

The US military’s fleet of helicopters is aging much more quickly than they had anticipated. In order to replace the outdated helicopters, the US military established the Future Vertical Lift program.

The Sikorsky X2 was the prototype aircraft Sikorsky created for that program. To reduce drag and boost speed, Sikorsky decided to use a coaxial (double) rotor (similar to the Kamov 52) at the back of the fuselage, along with one propeller.

The result was a 290 mph (460 kph) flying prototype. Boeing-Sikorsky SB-1 Defiant and Sikorsky S-97 Raider are the two primary helicopters built from the Sikorsky X2 to date.

2. Eurocopter X3 – 293 mph (472 kph)

The X3 was created by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) to be installed in a new generation of swift helicopters that have not yet been revealed!

The X3 defies the rules that apply to typical helicopters. The X3 decreased the number of rotations per minute (by almost 15%) rather than increasing the speed at which the rotor rotated.

The X3 was also equipped with two stabilizing propellers, one on each side of the fuselage. These propellers not only help to stabilize the X3, but they also boost speed while lowering drag.

The end result is that the X3 can travel at a cruising speed of 253 mph (407 kph) and the maximum speed of 293 mph (472 kph). But frequent flights at that speed will shorten the X3’s useful life.

1. Bell Boeing V22 Osprey – 316 mph (509 kph)

The V-22 is, without a doubt, the fastest helicopter available, despite not actually being a helicopter at all. Technically speaking, the V-22 is a tiltrotor—an aircraft that can change from an airplane to a helicopter in just 12 seconds.

The V-22 was made by Bell to hover, land, and take off like a helicopter. It can, however, technically fly like a helicopter while in flight and take off like a regular aircraft when necessary.

As an aircraft, the V-22 travels at a constant speed of 351 mph (565 kph). The V-22’s (as a helicopter) top recorded speed is 316 mph (509 kph).

The USAF, USN, and USMC are the US Military branches that primarily use the V-22. The Japanese Armed Forces have also ordered the V-22. Despite crashing much more than other aircraft, many USMC pilots genuinely want to pilot the V-22.

Ending Notes

So this was the list of fastest helicopters around the world. The article talks about 18 such helicopters, with their details and specifications. I do wonder which of the following was your favorite and why.