Helicopter

A helicopter is an aircraft which is lifted and propelled by one or more horizontal rotors (propellers). Helicopters are classified as rotary-wing aircraft to distinguish them from conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix (spiral) and pteron (wing). The engine-driven helicopter was invented by the Slovak inventor Jan Bahyl. The first stable, fully-controllable helicopter placed in production was invented by Igor Sikorsky.

Helicopter models and identification

In identifying conventional helicopters during flight it is helpful to know that when viewed from below, the rotor of a French, Russian, Soviet or Ukrainian designed helicopter rotates counter-clockwise, whilst that of a helicopter built in Italy, the UK or the USA rotates clockwise (see list of helicopter models).

Related Topics:
Ukrainian - Italy - UK - USA - List of helicopter models

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some companies, notably Schweizer in the USA, are developing remotely-controlled variants of light helicopters for use in future battlefields. Rotomotion is currently selling a line of small (less than 50 kg) rotorcraft UAVs, including an all electric helicopter.

Related Topics:
Schweizer - Remotely-controlled variants of light helicopters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hybrid types that combine features of helicopters and fixed wing designs include the experimental Fairey Rotodyne of the 1950s and the Bell Boeing Osprey, which is on order by the US Marine Corps and will be the first mass produced tilt-rotor aircraft to enter service.

Related Topics:
Fairey Rotodyne - 1950s - Osprey - Marine Corps - Tilt-rotor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A helicopter should not be mistaken for an autogyro, which is a historical predecessor of the helicopter that gains lift from an unpowered rotor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some common nicknames for helicopters are "copter", "chopper", "whirlybird", "helo" (common U.S. Navy usage) or "paraffin budgie" (the latter term being mostly used in the UK offshore oil industry).

Related Topics:
U.S. Navy - Paraffin - Budgie - UK

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~