Helicopters are a remarkable achievement of aeronautical engineering that have been used for a variety of different tasks ever since they were invented. Originally helicopters were primarily used by the military, but now we see them used as transportation vehicles, flying ambulances, and they are even used to put out fires. Their ability to hover and take off and land vertically allows them to operate in ways that are impossible for airplanes. We’ve come a long way since the early helicopter and they are crucial vehicles for many industries. So what are some of the largest players in the helicopter industry? We’re going to take a look at a list of the biggest names in the helicopter industry, who are the pack leaders of these unique aircrafts.
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Russian Helicopters
Founded in 2007, Russian Helicopters is a helicopter manufacturing and design firm that is based out of Moscow. The company is one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world, and they are the second largest defence contractor in Russia (24th-largest in the world) based off of revenue. The company produces helicopters under the Mil, Kamov, and Kazan names and their portfolio is quite large. Russian Helicopters produce vehicles for both general consumers and for militaries around the world. Some of their most notable aircraft include the Kamov Ka-60, the Mil Mi-171, and the Kazan Ansat. The company is also best known for producing the Mil Mi-26 which is the largest and the most powerful helicopter that has ever been produced. The Mil Mi-26 is operated by a crew of five and it can carry 90 people, haul 44,090 pounds, and it has a top speed of 183mph.
Photo from russianhelicopters.aero
Airbus Helicopters
Airbus is one of the most well known and one of the largest aircraft companies in the world, and their helicopter division is quite large. Airbus Helicopters is the largest helicopter company in the world in terms of total revenue and helicopter deliveries. Previously known as Eurocopter, the company was established in 1992 and the are based out of Marignane, France. They have plants in France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and the United States so they certainly are quite massive. Airbus Helicopter produces a wide range of helicopters for civilian use, search-and-rescue, and for military purposes. Some of their best known helicopters are the EC 665 “Tiger” attach helicopter, the EC155, and the unique and experimental X3 helicopter.
Photo from airbushelicopters.com
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is another big name in the helicopter industry. They are a multinational helicopter manufacturing and design company who produce a range of helicopters for both civilians and the military. The formed in 2000 when the Italian company Agusta and the English company Westland Helicopters joined together. Today they operate out of Samarate, Italy and employ over 13,000 people. Some of their most notable helicopters include the AW101, the Westland Lynx, the A109k2, and the WAH64 Apache helicopter (not to be confused with the Boeing version used by the U.S. military). AgustaWestland is also well known for creating a variety of luxury and bespoke helicopters that are used by VIP’s, politicians, and other important/wealthy individuals.
Photo from corporatejetinvestor.com
Bell Helicopter
Headquartered out of Fort Worth, Texas, Bell Helicopter is another big player in the helicopter industry. The company formed in 1935 and initially focused on developing aircraft for the military to be used during World War II. Like the other companies on our list, Bell Helicopter produces vehicles for both civilians and the military, however they are best known for their military vehicles. Out of all the helicopters that Bell produces or has produced, and out of all helicopter companies in the world, Bell produces arguably the most iconic helicopter: the Huey. The original UH-1 “Huey” was produced in the 1950’s and they were the first turbine-powered helicopters to be ordered by the United States Military. Originally used as medical aircrafts, the Huey’s were famously used during the Vietnam War. This was one of the first times that the United States military used helicopters for combat, and the Huey’s can be seen in nearly any picture or video documenting the war in Vietnam. These helicopters proved to be successful and Bell produces improved versions of the original Huey that are still used today.
Photo from bellhelicopter.com
Sikorsky Aircraft
Finally the last name on our list is Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky is an American company based out of Stratford, Connecticut that has been working in the aeronautical industry since 1925. Their early history is made up of airplanes however they would then begin to producing helicopters later. Sikorsky is also accredited with producing the first mass-produced helicopter in the world back in 1940 with their R-4. Today the company produces helicopters that are used for transportation, military vehicles, cargo helicopters, and helicopters used for search-and-rescue operations. One of their best known helicopters would be the Black Hawk that is used by the United States military and the military forces of Taiwan, Columbia, Mexico, Israel, Turkey, Brazil, and many other countries.
Photo from military-today.com
