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Helicopters

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Helicopters come in all different kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors for different jobs. It’s weight can vary from 1,000 to 10,000 pounds depending on what it is carrying.

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Helicopters are used by the military, news stations, police, fire departments, and everyday people.

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A nickname for helicopters are “choppers”.

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The first helicopter, VS-300, was developed by a man named Igor Sikorsky. The flight took place on September 14th, 1939 in Stratford, Connecticut.

Igor Sikorsky in flight on the VS-300 helicopter concept.

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Parts of a Helicopter

Most parts of a helicopter’s outer shell are made out of aluminum, but stainless steel and titanium may be used in areas of high heat on the helicopter.

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  • Helicopters are important because they are used to help people and keep them safe.

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  • Medical Helicopters can easily reach accidents and fly victims that are hurt to a hospital quickly by avoiding traffic.

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  • Police keep us safe by using helicopters during car chases, searching for victims at night with special night cameras, and keeping watch from above.

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  • Military helicopters transport troops and equipment.

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  • Helicopters are fueled by diesel or jet fuel.
  • Most helicopters can fly up to 166 mph.
  • Most helicopters reach around 25,000 feet.
  • Helicopters can stay in one spot in the sky by hovering.
  • The President uses a special helicopter called “Marine One,” to travel from place to place quickly.
  • Helicopters can help fight fires and can help report news by flying to locations quicker than driving.