16 of the Biggest Helicopters in the World Ever Built

2 December 2021 | Updated on February 05, 2024

Maybe it is just me, but I am always fascinated seeing large helicopters lift their bulky fuselages off the ground and into the skies. The sight of those giant flying blobs often rouses a bit of awe. To an average person, helicopters are those annoying slow and expensive whirlybirds the size of small crossovers often used by the police, television stations, and the meteorological service. But big helicopters perform more significant roles. They help fight wars and large fires, evacuate people from disaster areas, search for missing aircraft or ships, and you don’t always get to see them unless something goes terribly wrong.

The list consists of a wide variety of big birds ranging from the largest helicopter of a particular class, country, or era, to the biggest helicopters in the world.

The 13 Largest Airplanes Ever Made

16 of the Biggest Helicopters in the World

16. NHIndustries NH90

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn

Country: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal
Manufacturer – NHIndustries
Introduction – 2007
Crew – 3
Capacity – 20 troops, or 12 stretchers, or 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) external slung load
Length – 16.13 m (52 ft 11 in)
Rotor diameter – 16.3 m (53 ft 6 in)
Max take-off weight – 10,600 kg (23,369 lb)
Engine – Twin Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-1/9 turboshaft engines, 1,802 kW (2,417 hp), or 2 × CT7-8E turboshaft engines, 1,845 kW (2,474 hp)
Range – TTH 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi), NFH 1,000 km (620 mi; 540 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
Endurance – : 5 hours
Rate of Climb – 8 m/s (1,600 ft/min
No Built – 446
Status – In service, in production.

Most big helicopters are designed for battlefield operations, and the NHIndustries NH90 is no exception. The NH90 was conceived as a medium-size, support tactical troop transport helicopter to the Chinook CH-47. It can perform multi-role land-based and naval operations reserved for a much larger helicopter without breaking a sweat. Two versions of the NH90 are currently in production; the NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate helicopter) and the NH90 TTH (tactical transport helicopter).

Did you know?

The NH90 is the first helicopter in the world to have a full fly-by-wire flight control system.

15. S-64 Aircrane

By Wikipedia user Bidgee

Country – United States
Manufacturer – Sikorsky Aircraft, Erickson Inc
Introduction – 1962
Crew – 3
Capacity – 5 passengers/9,100 kg (20,000 lb)
Length – 21.41 m (70 ft 3 in)
Height – 5.66 m (18 ft 7 in)
Rotor diameter – 21.95 (72 ft 0 in)
Max take-off weight – 19,051 (42,000 lb)
Engine – Twin Pratt & Whitney JFTD12-4A (T73-P-1) turboshaft engines, 4,500 shp (3,400 kW)
Range – 370 km (230 mi, 200 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 3,200 m (10,600 ft)
Rate of Climb – 1,330 ft/min (6.8 m/s)
No Built – 31
Status – In service, in production.

The S-64 Aircrane is the biggest helicopter aerial crane. It was developed from the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, the civilian variant of the CH-54 Tarhe, once the world’s largest helicopter. In 1992, Erickson Air-Crane bought the manufacturing rights to the S-64 Skycrane. Currently, the company is producing S-64 Aircranes for companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations. The S-64 Aircrane is presently the biggest helicopter in the world used extensively by fire fighting services around the globe to control bushfires. It is also used for logging activities and heavy lift construction.

Did you know?

Each S-64 Aircrane has an individual name. Famous examples are the Australian firefighting Aircanes christened “Elvis,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Isabelle.” The S-64E seen in popular media images lifting the Ontario CN Tower into place is nicknamed “Olga.”

14. Mil Mi-10 (Harke)

By Sergey Krivchikov

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Introduction – 1963
Crew – 5
Length – 32.86 m (107 ft 10 in)
Rotor diameter – 35 m (114 ft 10 in)
Capacity – 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) internal payload, or 15,000 kg (33,000 lb) on platform, or 8,000 kg (18,000 lb) slung payload
Max take-off weight – 43,700 kg (96,342 lb)
Engine – Twin Soloviev D-25V turboshaft, 4,100 kW (5,500 hp) each
Range – 430 km (270 mi, 230 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
No Built – 55
Status – In service

The Mil Mi-10 (NATO code name: Harke) was the Soviet Union’s effort to produce an aerial crane helicopter. It was the country’s largest helicopter development to integrate external payloads into the fuselage design. Big helicopters are often equipped with unusual features designed to help them serve their intended purpose. The Mi-10 is fitted with a wide track, four-long-legged landing gear to straddle huge cargo like military tanks. The Mi-10 also has a short-legged version with an identical fuselage to its long-legged variant.

Did you know?

The Mil Mi-10 holds more world records than most large helicopters. In May 1965, the Mi-10 set the world record (surpassed) for operating at an altitude of 25,105 kg (55,347 lb) while carrying a maximum payload of 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

13. Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon

By Rob Schleiffert

Country – France
Manufacturer – Aérospatiale (formerly Sud Aviation)
Introduction – 1966
Crew – 5
Length – 19.40 m (63 ft 8 in)
Height – 6.66 m (21 ft 10 in)
Rotor diameter – 18.90 m (62 ft 0 in)
Capacity – 27 passengers/15 stretchers
Max take-off weight – 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
Engine – 3 × Turboméca Turmo IIIC turboshafts, 1,160 kW (1,550 shp) each
Range – 1,020 km (630 mi, 550 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 3,150 m (10,330 ft)
Endurance – 4 hrs
Rate of Climb – 6.66 m/s (1,312 ft/min)
No Built – 110
Status – In service

The medium-lift SA 321 Super Frelon is produced by Sud Aviation, one of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturers. Developed from a long line of big helicopters, the Super Frelon was one of the company’s biggest helicopter development programs. The SA 321 is one of the most popular large helicopters currently in service with military and civilian operators around the globe, including China, where Super Frelons are manufactured locally as the Z-8. The civilian version of the SA 321 Super Frelon, the SA 321F, can carry 37 passengers and is a favorite among helicopter taxi operators.

Did you know?

The SA 321 Super Frelon once held the record for the world’s fastest helicopter and Europe’s most powerful helicopter.

12. Mil Mi-8 (Hip)

By Igor Dvurekov

Country – Soviet Union/Russia
Manufacturer – Kazan Helicopter plant, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant
Introduction – 1967
Crew – 3
Length – 18.4 m (60 ft 4 in)
Height – 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
Rotor diameter – 21.29 m (69 ft 10 in)
Capacity – 24 passengers or 12 stretchers or 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) internal/external payload
Max take-off weight – 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
Engine – Twin Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines, 1,454 kW (1,950 hp) each
Range – 495 km (308 mi, 267 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
No Built – 17,000+
Status – In service, in production

Codenamed Hip by NATO observers, the Mi-8 is a medium-lift twin-turbine multirole gunship, troop transport, VIP chauffeur, fuel tanker, recon aircraft, and cargo helicopter. It probably embodies all the big helicopters from the Soviet era. The aircraft’s designers insisted on creating the biggest helicopter globally, although they fell short of that mark. The Mi-8’s sheer size allows it to excel in many roles that very few large helicopters can perform.

Did You Know?

The Mi-8 is one of the most produced helicopters in the world. It is among the top three helicopters commonly used in military operations and the largest helicopter produced outside the United States in active service.

11. AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin

By Peng Chen

Country – the United Kingdom/Italy
Manufacturer – Agusta, Westland Helicopters, Finmeccanica, Leonardo S.p.A
Introduction – 1999
Crew – 4
Length – 19.53 m (64 ft 1 in)
Height – 6.62 m (21 ft 9 in)
Rotor diameter -18.59 m (61 ft 0 in)
Capacity – 26 -45 troops/38 passengers, or 3,050-5,000 kg payload
Max take-off weight – 14,600 kg (32,187 lb)
Engine – 3 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 turboshaft engines, 1,566 kW (2,100 hp) each
Range – 833 km (518 mi, 450 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 4,575 m (15,010 ft)
Endurance – 5 hours
Status – In service, in production

The AgustaWestland AW101 (marketed as Merlin) is proof that large helicopters are not just for military operations. Conceived as a joint venture between Britain and Italy, the AW101 (pre-merger designation EH101) is a medium-lift military helicopter that can be configured for various civilian uses. Big helicopters have a distinct advantage over smaller aircraft operating in the air taxi industry. And Merlin’s civilian operators took advantage of its enormous size to create a spacious and plush cabin making the AW101 a popular luxury transport and a favorite of VIPs around the globe.

Did you know?

Before being adapted for luxury air transport operations, the AW101 was initially designed for hunting down and sinking submarines.

10. Changhe Z-18

Country – China
Manufacturer – Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (under license from Avicopter)
Introduction – 2018
Crew – 2
Length -23.05 m (75 ft 7 in)
Height – 7 m (23 ft 0 in)
Rotor diameter – 19 m (62 ft 4 in)
Capacity – 27 passengers or 15 medevac stretchers
Max take-off weight – 13,800 kg (30,360 lb)
Engine – 3 × WZ-6C turboshafts
Service Ceiling – 9,000 m (29,528 ft)
Status – In service, in production

The Changhe Z-18 is a medium-lift troop and cargo transport helicopter and one of the several big helicopters in service with the People’s Liberation Army of China. Also known as the White Heron, the Z-18 is closely related to European-made large helicopters’ duo; the Avicopter AC313 and Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon. The White Herons’ development is one of the largest helicopter programs in China, and engineers made extensive use of titanium and composites in the fuselage design.

Did you know?

In January 2015, the Z-18 set a record as the largest helicopter to fly around Mt. Everest at an altitude of 9,000 m (29,528 ft) during altitude testing.

9. Mil Mi-38

By Alex Snow

Country – Russia
Manufacturer – Kazan Helicopters
Introduction – 2019
Crew – 2
Length – 19.95 m (65 ft 5 in)
Height – 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in)
Rotor diameter -21.1 m (69 ft 3 in)
Capacity – 30 passengers/5,000 kg (11,000 lb) – 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) payload
Max take-off weight – 15,600 kg (34,392 lb)
Engine – Twin Klimov TVA-3000 turboshaft engines, 1,838 kW (2,465 hp) each
Range – 325 km (202 mi, 175 nmi) – 1,300 km (810 mi; 700 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 6,500 m (21,300 ft)
No Built – 10
Status – In service, in production

The Mi-38 is Russia’s largest helicopter development after the fall of the Iron Curtain. No longer constrained by Cold War ideologies, Russian engineers focused on developing the Mi-38 as a commercial helicopter for the international market, directly competing with big helicopters like the AgustaWestland AW101. The Mi-38 is probably the biggest helicopter built with highly-durable composites rated for optimum performance in tropical and sub-zero conditions.

Did you know?

The Mi-38 has broken numerous records set by earlier large helicopters, including two for the fastest climbing speed. The first is for reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in six minutes, and the second is for flying to a height of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in 10 minutes and 52 seconds.

8. Kamov Ka-22

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Kamov
Introduction – 1963
Length – 27 m (88 ft 7 in)
Capacity – 100 passenger
Max take-off weight – 42,500 kg (93,696 lb) STO
Engine – Twin Soloviev D-25VK turboshaft engines, 4,045 kW (5,424 hp) each
Range – 450 km (280 mi, 240 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 5,500 m (18,000 ft)
No Built – 4
Status – Retired (1964)

Although its unique design and enormous size place the Ka-22 firmly in the league of large helicopters of the Cold War era, its operational history is less than stellar. Conceived initially as a fixed-wing rotorcraft with a propulsive airplane system to maximize speed and cargo capacity for military operations. The Ka-22 never made it out of the testing phase due to its unusual and complex design problems. After two consecutive fatal crashes, the big helicopters were deemed unsafe for flight, and the Ka-22 was abandoned after only four types were built. It would be more than three decades before the United States would successfully operate a fixed wind helicopter design.

Did you know?

In 1961, the Ka-22 set the world speed record for traveling at 356.3 kph on a 15 km straight flight path.

7. Boeing Bell V-22 Osprey

By Wikipedia user FOX 52

Country – United States
Manufacturer – Bell Helicopter, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Introduction – 2007
Crew – 4
Length – 57 ft 4 in (17.48 m)
Height – 17 ft 7.8 in (5 m)
Rotor diameter – 2 × 38 ft (12 m)
Capacity – 32 troops or 9,070 (20,000 lb) – 6,800 kg (15,000 Ib) cargo capacity
Max take-off weight – 21,546 kg (47,500 lb) (21,546 kg) – 27,442 kg (60,500 Ib)
Engine – Twin Rolls-Royce T406-AD-400 turboprop/turboshaft engines, 6,150 hp (4,590 kW) each
Range – 1,628 km (1,012 mi, 879 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 7, 600 m (25,000 ft)
Rate of Climb – 2,320–4,000 ft/min (11.8–20.3 m/s)
No Built – 400
Status – In service , in production

The V-22 Osprey is the largest helicopter fixed-wing design in active service with a military operator. This medium-lift aircraft is equipped with wing-mounted engines that can rotate 90 degrees to land like a helicopter. The V-22 can perform aerial fuelling, rough terrain landings, and aircraft carrier operations thanks to a neat party trick of folding rotors and rotatable wings. Despite its numerous critics, the Osprey combines the battle-field practicality of big helicopters with a cargo plane speed and payload capacity. The V-22 Osprey development remains one of the most expensive, longest, and biggest helicopter programs in the United States. Fortunately, these large helicopters have been successfully deployed as troop and cargo transport with the four US armed forces.

Do you know?

The development of the V-22 Osprey (JVX aircraft program) was inspired by the bitter failure of Operation Eagle Claw in Iran. The Pentagon realized the need for large helicopters to perform Vertical-Take-Off-And-Landings (VTOL) and serve as a high-speed troop transport.

6. Boeing CH-47 Chinook

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Glenn M. Anderson, USAREUR Public Affairs

Country – United States
Manufacturer – Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Introduction – 1962
Crew – 3
Length – 30 m (98 ft)
Height – 5.77 m (18 ft 11 in)
Rotor diameter – 2 x 18 m (80 ft)
Capacity – 33–55 troops, or 24 stretchers, or 10,886 kg (24,000 lb) payload
Max take-off weight – 22,680 kg (50,000 lb)
Engine – Twin Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines, 4,733 hp (3,529 kW) each
Range – 740 km (460 mi, 400 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
Rate of Climb – 1,522 ft/min (7.73 m/s)
No Built – 1,200+
Status – In service, in production

The Chinook is a military heavy-lift transport and one of the easily recognized big helicopters ever produced. Initially designed by Vertol as V-107 before the company’s acquisition by Boeing. The military would further develop the existing design and designate the resulting twin-rotor large helicopters as CH-47. The Chinook was the biggest helicopter operated by the United States Army at its launch. The civilian version of the Chinook is the Vertol 234. It is commonly used for aerial fire fighting, disaster relief, logging, heavy construction lifting, civil defense, mining, and oil extraction operations.

Did you know?

The Chinook CH-47 is one of the fastest large helicopters in service with the United States army with a top speed of 310 kph/200mph. It is also the largest helicopter to remain in continuous production for more than 50 years, with upgraded versions of the CH-47 expected to continue operating beyond 2060, a century after its launch.

5. Sikorsky CH-53e Super Stallion

By Staff Sgt. Raul Gonzalez, USMC

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Sikorsky Aircraft
Introduction – 1981
Crew – 5
Length – 99 ft 0.5 in (30.188 m)
Height – 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
Rotor diameter – 79 ft 0 in (24.08 m)
Capacity – 37-55 troops, 14,515 kg (32,000 lb) – 16,329 kg (36,000) payload
Max take-off weight – 33,339 kg (73,500 lb)
Engine – 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416/GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft engines, 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each
Range – 1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 5,600 m (18,500 ft)
Rate of Climb – 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s)
No Built – 234
Status – In service

The CH-53e Super Stallion was developed from the highly successful but less popular CH-53 Sea Stallion heavy-lift cargo helicopter. It was the largest helicopter in the service of the United States military forces at the time of its launch. The Sikorsky Aircraft has a long history of producing powerful and reliable large helicopters for military and commercial operations. The Super Stallion was designed to fulfill several multirole functions with the U.S Marine Corps. The United States Navy operates the CH-53 variant.

Did you know?

The CH-53e Super Stallion is one of the most powerful big helicopters ever manufactured in the United States. It can airlift other large helicopters, including disabled CH-47 Chinook and Huey helicopter transports.

4. Sikorsky CH-53k King Stallion

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hailey D. Clay

Country – United States
Manufacturer – Sikorsky Aviation
Introduction – 2015
Crew – 4
Length – 22.29 m (73 ft 1.5 in)
Height – 8.66 m (28 ft 4.9 in)
Rotor diameter – 35 m (114 ft 10 in)
Capacity – 30 passengers or 24 medevac stretchers or 11,431 kg (25, 200 Ib) – 16, 329 kg (36,000 Ib) payload
Max take-off weight – 33, 566 kg (74,000 Ib) – 39,916 kg (88,000 lb)
Engine – 3 × General Electric T408 (GE38-1B) turboshaft engines, 7,500 shp (5,600 kW) each
Range – 850 km (530 mi, 460 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 4,023 m (13,200 ft) – 4,900 m (16,000 ft)
No Built – 18
Status – In service, in production

The CH-53k King Stallion heavy-lift cargo and troop transport helicopter is a derivation of the CH-53e Super Stallion. Both big helicopters were manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, but it was limited to military use, unlike its predecessor. The CH-53K is designed for military and civilian operations, and it is currently the largest helicopter in United States military service.

Did you know?

Although it is not the biggest helicopter in the world, the CH-53K King Stallion is the biggest helicopter produced in the United States. Together with its predecessor, they remain the largest helicopters produced outside Russia.

3. Mil Mi-6 (Hook)

By Rob Schleiffert

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Introduction – 1957
Crew – 6
Height – 9.156 m (30 ft 0 in)
Rotor diameter – 35 m (114 ft 10 in)
Capacity – 90 passengers / 70 airborne troops / 41 medevac stretchers cases with 2 medical personnel, 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) maximum internal payload, 5,516 kg (12,161 lb) at 40,500 kg
(89,287 lb) TOW
Max take-off weight – 44,000 kg (97,003 lb)
Engine – Twin Soloviev D-25V turboshaft, 4,100 kW (5,500 hp) each
Range – 970 km (600 mi, 520 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
Endurance – 2 hours 51 minutesChina’so Built – 926
Status – Retired (2002)

The Mi-6 is a heavy-lift helicopter codenamed; Hook by Nato military observers. It was the biggest helicopter in the world when it was launched by the Soviet Union when it was launched. Commercial variants of the Mi-6 are in service around the globe.

Did you know?

The Mi-6 holds the record for the first Soviet turboshaft-powered production helicopter. It also beat other large helicopters to claim the Sikorsky trophy in 1961 for the fastest operating speed (300+ kph/186+mph).

2. Mil Mi-26 (Halo)

By Alex Beltyukov

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Rostvertol
Introduction – 1983
Crew – 5
Length – 40.025 m (131 ft 4 in)
Height – 8.145 m (26 ft 9 in)
Rotor diameter – 32 m (105 ft 0 in)
Capacity – 90 troops or 60 medevac stretchers or 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) payload
Max take-off weight – 56,000 kg (123,459 lb)
Engine – 2 × ZMKB Progress D-136 turboshaft engines, 8,500 kW (11,400 hp) each
Range – 500 km (310 mi, 270 nmi)
Service Ceiling -4,600 m (15,100 ft)
Endurance –
Rate of Climb –
No Built – 316
Status – In service

This Soviet heavy-lift helicopter, code named Halo by NATO observers, is the biggest helicopter in the world in serial production. It is also more powerful than other large helicopters currently in or out of serial production. The Mi-26 was designed for both military and commercial operations. Since it debuted at the Paris Air Show in 1981, the Mi-6 has served commercial and cargo operators in various multirole capacities. The MI-26 is famous for recovering big helicopters, including a disabled two U.S. Army MH-47E Chinook helicopter from an Afghan mountainside and a Norwegian Air Force Westland Sea King from Mount Divgagáisá in 2012.

Did you Know?

The Mi-26 has a similar cargo capacity as a C-130 transport aircraft.

1. Mil V-12

By Groningen Airport-Eelde

Country – Soviet Union
Manufacturer – Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
First Flight – 1968
Crew – 6
Length – 37 m (121 ft 5 in)
Height – 12.5 m (41 ft 0 in)
Rotor diameter – 2 × 35 m (114 ft 10 in)
Capacity – 196 passengers, 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) – 40,000 kg (88,000 lb) payload
Max take-off weight – 105,000 kg (231,485 lb)
Engine – 4 × Soloviev D-25VF turboshaft engines, 4,800 kW (6,500 shp) each
Range – 500 km (310 mi, 270 nmi)
Service Ceiling – 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
No Built – 2 Prototypes
Status – Cancelled

Code named; Homer by NATO observers. The Mil V-12 is the biggest helicopter in the world. Cold War realities required large helicopters that could deploy intercontinental ballistic missiles to remote launch sites. To fulfill its role, Mil engineers designed a transverse rotor system that eliminates the need for a tail rotor but with enough power to lift the 100-ton helicopter into the skies. Although, initial tests were promising. The Soviet Union built and tested only two prototypes of this heavy-lift helicopter before canceling the program.

Did you Know?

The Mil V-12 set several world records, three of which remain unbroken for the highest-flying helicopter carrying a 40-ton payload.