Things You Didn’t Know About Helicopters and Their Specific Uses

Helicopters come in many different shapes, sizes, and designs, each suited for specific purposes and uses. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the most common types of helicopters and their specific uses.

Personal Use Helicopters: These helicopters are designed for individuals who want to enjoy the thrill of flying and the freedom that comes with owning a helicopter. These helicopters are generally smaller, lighter, and more affordable than other types of helicopters, making them ideal for personal use. Robinson Helicopters, based in Torrance California, has been at the forefront of helicopter manufacturing with the private owner in mind. Their three variants, the R22 (two-place piston), R44 (four-place piston) and the R66 (five-place turbine) have become staples in the personal use helicopter space. 

Commercial Use Helicopters: Commercial use helicopters are tailored to businesses and organizations that need a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective mode of transportation. These helicopters are usually larger and more complex than personal use helicopters and are designed to meet the specific needs of commercial users. The first commercial helicopter was the Sikorsky S-51. The most popular early model was the Bell 47, a light utility aircraft. In the United States, the first commercial helicopter passenger service began in July 1953. Helicopters connected airports that are close to each other, such as Newark International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy and La Guardia airports in New York.

Military Use Helicopters: First introduced to the military during World War II, these larger, more complex helicopters are well-suited for military applications, such as reconnaissance, transportation, and rescue missions. Later, U.S. military helicopters played a huge role in numerous foreign conflicts, including the invasion of Vietnam. U.S. military helicopters are among the most revered for their incredible adaptability. The rotors on these helicopters enable military personnel to land and take-off just about anywhere. Moreover, military helicopters exceed many other types of military aircraft in that they can hover or fly in all four directions.

Light Utility Helicopters: Designed for lighter transport and support missions, light utility helicopters operate effectively for air ambulance, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. Medical personnel realized that helicopters could be used for civilian medical evacuations, just like they were used for “medevacs” in the military. They preferred the Bell 407, Bell 429, EC-135, H130 and AS350B3e for medical transport. These helicopters are most often smaller and lighter than other types of helicopters, making them ideal for these applications. 

Heavy Lift Helicopters: Heavy lift helicopters, like the CH-47 Chinook, for example, are intended for heavy transport and support missions, such as construction, firefighting, and disaster relief. Utilized in both military and commercial applications, the CH-47 is known for its ability to lift Humvees, cargo nets, cannons, boats, shipping containers, and even other aircraft in the most extreme environments. For commercial purposes, the Chinook’s 26,000-pound capability allows the aircraft to lift large HVAC units, utility poles, and large bundles of food, health care supplies, and water to those in need.

There’s no shortage of helicopters that can perform nearly any task with impressive dexterity and extreme maneuverability. Whether you’re looking for a helicopter for personal use, for commercial purposes, or for military applications, there’s a perfect rotorcraft for your needs. With the right helicopter, you can enjoy the freedom and thrill of flying, increase efficiency and productivity, and have a reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation.

Author:

Halsey Schider | Founder and CEO of Sellacopter