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The theoretical max speed of a helicopter is based on the speed of the main rotor through the air, since conventional airfoils essentially quit lifting at close to the speed of sound. Knowing that, let's assume the main rotor's tip speed moves through the air at 400 mph while in a hover. Now, as the vehicle begins to move forward, that forward motion is added to the existing tip speed. Since the speed of sound at sea level is around 750 mph, our example bird shouldn't be able to go any faster than 350 mph. Realistically, our example wouldn't be able to travel even that fast, since air traveling across an airfoil (the main rotor) accelerates across the top surface, thus cutting into our theoretical top speed. That being said, airfoil design is constantly evolving, allowing incremental improvements in efficiency, speed, and noise reduction.

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Why is there a fantail in a helicopter?

For the helicopter body to be in balance and direction to steer the helicopter.


How does a helicopters rotor blades make the helicopter turn left and right?

By adjusting the speed of tail rotor, which points to the side, the pilot can turn the helicopter in flight. The main upper rotor actually plays only a minor part in making helicopter turn. The part supplying most of the control is the tail rotor. Because the main rotor is spinning in one direction, without a tail rotor, the body of the helicopter would spin around in circles in the opposite direction. The reason for this is explained in the first part of Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite action. The torque generated to make the rotor turn also exerts torque on the body of the helicopter "willing" it to spin the opposite direction. However, the tail rotor spins, pushing air to the side. This creates force in the opposite direction, keeping the helicopter stable. By simply adjusting the speed of the tail rotor, the helicopter can be turned in flight.


Which scientists invented the helicopter?

An engineer, Igor Sikorski, invented the helicopter.

Related Questions

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It's max speed is approximately 170 mph.


What is effect of the weight of the helicopter on the terminal speed - slide3?

The weight of the helicopter affects the terminal speed by influencing the rate at which the helicopter falls. A heavier helicopter will reach a higher terminal velocity compared to a lighter helicopter, as the force of gravity will be greater on the heavier helicopter, causing it to accelerate faster. Additionally, a heavier helicopter may require more lift to counteract its weight, which can also impact its terminal speed.


What has the author Max Rudolphi written?

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What is the speed of a cargo helicopter?

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What is speed of helicopter engine?

There are many different helicopter engines, most of them now jets


What is the fastest theoretical speed?

The Speed Of light in sp ace


What is the cruising speed of cobra helicopter?

Cruising speed is about 150 mph.


How long would it take a helicopter to travel 93 miles?

It all depends upon which helicopter you mean: 1 knot ≈ 1.15 mph A Wessex helicopter had a max speed of 115 knots, meaning it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ (115 x 1.15) x 60 mins ≈ 42.16 mins A Wasp helicopter had a max speed of 120 knots, meaning it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ (120 x 1.15) x 60 mins ≈ 40.41 mins A Sea King helicopter had a max speed of 125 knots, meaning it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ (125 x 1.15) x 60 mins ≈ 38.79 mins A Lynx helicopter had a max speed of 160 knots, meaning it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ (160 x 1.15) x 60 mins ≈ 30.31 mins Those figures are from pre 1980. A Lynx in 1986 reached 249.1 mph, meaning it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ 249.1 x 60 mins ≈ 22.40 mins An unofficial record of 299 mph by a Sikorsky X2 (compound helicopter) in 2010 means it could cover 93 miles in 93 ÷ 299 x 60 mins ≈ 18.66 mins


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The posted speed limit is the max speed.


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