Top 10 Most Expensive Helicopter In The World
Most people are familiar with private jets, but luxury helicopters are the true treasures. These aircraft are not only relatively more affordable, but helicopters can also access places that bulky jets cannot.
Helicopters are multifunctional and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as search and rescue services, medical and military transports, or even simple VIP transportation. Owning a helicopter is convenient, relatively environmentally friendly, and a status symbol.
In this article, we show you the 10 most expensive helicopter in the world.
Top 10 Most Expensive Helicopters In The World
10. Leonardo AW 109
- Price Tag: $6.3 Million
- Manufactured By: Leonardo
- Country: Italy
- Color: Various
- Weight: 3,200 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, versatile, high-speed
- Unique Facts: Often used for VIP transport and medical services
The Leonardo AW 109 is a light twin-engine helicopter manufactured in collaboration between the Italian company Agusta and the British company Westland. Production of this helicopter began in 1971, and it was introduced to the market five years later.
The AW 109 can reach a top speed of 177 miles per hour and achieve a range of 579 miles. This helicopter is widely used worldwide, especially for military purposes.
Its main users include the Italian Army, the South African Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and many others. The AW 109 has a price tag of approximately $6.3 million.
9. Sikorsky S-76
- Price Tag: $10 Million
- Manufactured By: Sikorsky Aircraft
- Country: USA
- Color: Various
- Weight: 5,306 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, spacious cabin
- Unique Facts: Popular among celebrities and corporate executives
The Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-sized utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The S-76 is used by many notable individuals, including the British royal family and the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The S-76 comes in 10 variants, with the S-76A being the main production variant. This type achieved several class records in climb performance, top speed, and altitude in 1982. Following the S-76A, the S-76B set the speed record in its class in 1987, reaching a top speed of 217 miles per hour.
In May 2011, a Guinness World Record was set for banner towing at the Nürburgring with a Sikorsky S-76 A++ towing a banner weighing 5,000 square meters and 1.3 tons. This helicopter is sold at a price starting from $10 million. Do you know what is Largest Cruise Ships in the World.
8. Leonardo AW 139
- Price Tag: $12 Million
- Manufactured By: Leonardo
- Country: Italy
- Color: Various
- Weight: 6,400 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, advanced avionics
- Unique Facts: Used for search and rescue missions
The Leonardo AW 139 is a medium-sized twin-engine helicopter. It can be configured with a VIP layout accommodating as few as four seats or with up to 15 seats for passenger transport. Initially developed in the 1990s by the Italian manufacturer Agusta and the U.S. manufacturer Bell Helicopter under the designation AB139.
The project continued under the name AgustaWestland AW 139 after Bell’s withdrawal, with Agusta partnering with Westland. The AW 139 has been on the market since 2003 and has been marketed for various roles, including VIP and offshore transport, law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting, and more.
The AW 139 has found customers worldwide, including major offshore companies like CHC in the United States. Ten helicopters are operated by the Maryland State Police, among others. In Italy, the Police, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Border Patrol currently have approximately 40 AW 139 helicopters in service. The estimated cost of the AW 139 is around $12 million.
7. Airbus Helicopters H155
- Price Tag: $14 Million
- Manufactured By: Airbus Helicopters
- Country: France
- Color: Various
- Weight: 4,800 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, quiet cabin
- Unique Facts: Known for its low noise levels
The Airbus Helicopters H155, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC 155, is a twin-engine high-performance helicopter capable of transporting 12 passengers. The EC 155 was introduced to the market in 1999, and the helicopter’s name was changed to H155 to reflect the rebranding of Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters.
This helicopter has been specifically marketed for passenger transport, VIP business transport, and offshore operations, but it is also used by military operators worldwide. Its cruise speed of up to 201 miles per hour and a range of 532 miles make it highly capable. The estimated cost of the H155 is $14 million.
6. Bell 525 Relentless
- Price Tag: $15 Million
- Manufactured By: Bell Helicopter
- Country: USA
- Color: Various
- Weight: 9,300 kg
- Unique Features: Fly-by-wire technology, spacious cabin
- Unique Facts: First commercial helicopter with fly-by-wire controls
The Bell 525 is an impressive creation by American helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopters. This medium-sized helicopter is built from a special metal composition and can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 183 miles per hour and a maximum range of 644 miles.
Powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines, the main rotor is equipped with five blades. The 525 can transport 16 passengers simultaneously, excluding both crew members. It is also available in a special VIP version, offering high comfort and low noise levels. The cost for this beauty is $15 million.
5. Airbus H215 Super Puma
- Price Tag: $15.5 Million
- Manufactured By: Airbus Helicopters
- Country: France
- Color: Various
- Weight: 8,600 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, long-range
- Unique Facts: Used for military and civilian operations
The Airbus Helicopters H215, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma, is a four-bladed medium-weight transport helicopter originally developed and marketed by Aérospatiale, later by Eurocopter, and currently by Airbus Helicopters. The aircraft can accommodate up to 24 passengers.
In Germany, the civilian version Super Puma was acquired for the Federal Border Guard and is still in service today. The military version Cougar is used by the Ministry of Defense’s Flight Readiness Unit. In both cases, these helicopters are primarily used for the transportation of members of constitutional organs.
But they are also employed in search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. The H215 is equipped with self-protection systems such as laser warning sensors and missile proximity warning sensors. The price is estimated at $15.5 million.
4. Airbus H175
- Price Tag: $17 Million
- Manufactured By: Airbus Helicopters
- Country: France
- Color: Various
- Weight: 7,500 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, advanced avionics
- Unique Facts: Designed for oil and gas industry transport
The Airbus H175, also known as the Eurocopter EC 175, is a medium-sized utility helicopter manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. This helicopter has been in series production since 2014 and is designed for civilian use and transport.
It can accommodate up to 16 passengers. The H175 is equipped with a digital engine control system and features a five-blade rotor. It has a cruise speed of up to 173 miles per hour and a range of 687 miles.
In March 2015, the original designation EC 175 was changed to the new company-wide numbering H175. The estimated cost for this giant is $17 million.
3. Leonardo AW 101
- Price Tag: $21 Million
- Manufactured By: Leonardo
- Country: Italy
- Color: Various
- Weight: 15,600 kg
- Unique Features: Triple-engine, large cabin
- Unique Facts: Used by military forces around the world
The Leonardo AW 101 is a medium-lift transport helicopter that was introduced to the market by AgustaWestland in 2000. AgustaWestland was completely dissolved in 2016 and is now continued by Leonardo Helicopters.
The AW 101 is used by armed forces around the world, including the Royal Navy and Air Force, the Italian Navy, and several other military forces. This aircraft can travel at a speed of 172 miles per hour and cover a distance of 932 miles.
The AW 101 is the largest helicopter in its class and sets new standards with a cabin that can accommodate 30 passengers plus luggage space. It can also be referred to as a luxury helicopter as the AW 101 offers a special model called the AW 101 VVIP. As the name suggests, this model is reserved for very, very important persons. The price of the helicopter is $21 million, making it the third most expensive helicopter in the world.
2. Airbus H225 Super Puma
- Price Tag: $29 Million
- Manufactured By: Airbus Helicopters
- Country: France
- Color: Various
- Weight: 11,200 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, long-range
- Unique Facts: Known for its reliability in harsh conditions
The H225 is an evolution of the Super Puma family. In contrast to the smaller H215, it features a slightly elongated fuselage, increased takeoff weight, and a five-bladed main rotor. The helicopter was originally developed under the name Eurocopter EC 725.
In 2015, it was renamed H225 after Eurocopter changed its brand name to Airbus Helicopters. The Airbus H225 can accommodate up to 30 occupants, including two crew members and 28 passengers. With a cruising speed of up to 170 miles per hour and a range of 532 miles.
The H225 can be used in various roles, including air rescue, offshore missions, law enforcement operations, or similar security tasks, as well as VIP transport. The estimated price for this Super Puma is $29 million.
1. Sikorsky S-92
- Price Tag: $30 Million
- Manufactured By: Sikorsky Aircraft
- Country: USA
- Color: Various
- Weight: 11,875 kg
- Unique Features: Twin-engine, spacious cabin
- Unique Facts: Often used for VIP transport and search and rescue missions
The Sikorsky S92 is a twin-engine medium-sized heavy-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky for civilian purposes but later also used by the military. The S92 Helibus, as the civilian variant is called, is primarily purchased by governments or used by the oil and gas industry. With high-quality amenities, the helicopter can offer the same level of comfort as an airliner for shorter distances.
The S92 features a full aluminum frame and a four-bladed rotor to reduce noise and vibrations. The S92 is used for transporting VIP guests as well as for governmental purposes. The helicopter can accommodate 19 passengers and achieve a cruising speed of up to 174 miles per hour.
Its range is 620 miles, and with additional fuel tanks, it can reach 310 miles more. The military version of this helicopter is called the H-92 Super Hawk. There is also another variant named VH-92, which has been used by the United States Marine Corps as Marine One since 2018, transporting the President of the United States. The price of the S-92 is estimated at a staggering $30 million in new condition, making it the most expensive helicopter in the world.
So, there you have it—the top 10 most expensive and luxurious helicopters in the world. Now, please tell us, which would you prefer: your own private helicopter or a private jet? Let us know in the comments.
FAQ’s
What is the best billionaire helicopter?
The Sikorsky S-76 is a popular choice among billionaires due to its exceptional reliability and versatility
What is the most expensive non-military helicopter?
The most expensive non-military helicopter is the Airbus H225 Super Puma, with a price tag of around $27 million.
What is the most expensive US helicopter?
The most expensive US helicopter is the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, used by the U.S. Marine Corps, with a unit cost of around $87 million.
How much is the Bell 525 luxury helicopter?
The Bell 525 luxury helicopter costs between $15 million to $20 million, depending on the variant and customer requirements.