Modern & Future Helicopters
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Sikorsky S72 X-Wing - 1987
This revolutionary rotor was designed to allow an aircraft to take off and and land vertically, yet fly like a conventional aeroplane with the rotor stopped. It was developed as part of rotor systems research for NASA.
EH-101 - 1998
Medium-lift helicopter which is now in service with operators around the world. The EH101 is unique in being designed for maritime and other military missions. Its large payload and spacious cabin make it the most capable and versatile multi-role helicopters in its class.
RAH-66 Comanche - 1986
The sophisticated design allows it to dash to a speed of 175 knots, then cruise at a steady 165. It can execute snap turns in 4.5 seconds and fly sideways or backwards at an incredible 70 mph! It climbs at a rate of 1,418 feet per minute.
Bell XV-15 1979
The result of efforts begun in the early 1950s to produce an aircraft that could take off, land, and hover like a helicopter, but with the speed of an aeroplane. The rotor pylons tilt from vertical to horizontal to eliminate the speed barriers imposed on conventional helicopters.
Notar - 1999
This helicopter has no tail rotor which makes it much quieter than other helicopters. Without a tail rotor helicopters normally spin round in circles, so this one uses a fan to blow air in both directions and stop the spin.
Bell Boeing 609 - 2001
A 21st century aircraft that combines the takeoff, hover and landing qualities of a helicopter with the high speed, range and efficiency of a turboprop aircraft. When launched it claimed speeds twice as fast and ranges twice as far as previous helicopters
EC130 - 2005
A new generation light single engine helicopter that seats 7-8. Thanks to its great visibility, quietness, performance and safety, this flexible helicopter is particularly adapted to the needs of private users, as well as tourism and charter missions.
EC145 - 2005
With a wide range of certified optional equipment, the twin-engine EC145 can complete such demanding missions as air medical service, law enforcement operations, search and rescue, offshore transportation, or aerial work.
EC225 - 2005
Eurocopter's latest 11-tons transport development. A new five-bladed Spheriflex main rotor provides optimum reliability and lift performance. Powered by two turboshaft engines, it has a full anti-icing system.
Masquito M80 - 200?
The M80 is so small compared to other helicopters people ask if it's a real one. The car, M80 and trailer could fit inside the Sikorsky! It was ready for the flight-test phase in 2002 but, due to problems with the UK CAA, very little progress has been made since then.
Future Lynx - 200?
The government intends to invest £3 billion in rotorcraft requirements over the next 10 years. The Future Lynx will feature a new airframe, advanced avionics, new engines, and a service life of 25 years.
GST 300 - 1996
Called a UAV (Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle) this is a small unmanned helicopter with a fully automatic control system. It is ideal for surveillance, patrol, environmental monitoring, agricultural and mapping tasks, and has been used for disaster response and special operations.
HBX-21 Prototype
Contains 10 new patented devices to achieve improved lift and superb fuel economy. Should the engine or the transmission fail, the large rotor automatically goes into auto-rotation, providing lift and allowing the pilot to safely land the helicopter.