How fast can the apache hellicopter go?

Answer 1

Most typical helicopters can only go about 150mph or maybe a little faster. Compound helicopters or the V-22 Tilt-Rotor can fly at over 200mph or even 300mph. The maximum airspeed of a helicopter is limited by the speed of the rotor blade. The speed of the tip of the blade can not go faster than the speed of sound or it will go through the sound barrier and start to form 'shock waves' which can lead to vibration.This can be alleviated somewhat by changing the angle of the leading edge on the tip so it sweeps back. This has been introduced on several helicopters such as the Apache, Black Hawk and Lynx.

The rotor blade turns about 50-60 revolutions per second although this is largely dependent on the length of the blade. The further out from the centre, the faster the rotational velocity and the faster the air is flowing over the blade. As the helicopter moves forward through the air, the velocity of the air over the advancing blades is the sum of the Forward Velocity Plus the rotational speed of the blade. Retarding blades do not suffer this problem as the airspeed at the tips is reduced, by virtue of the fact that the blades are travelling in the same direction as the airflow caused by flight.

For example: Suppose the speed of Rotor Blade tip (helo in a hover) = 350mph. Speed of the Helicopter in flight = 150mph. Speed of Advancing Blade (in flight) = 350 + 150 = 500mph This simple calculation will determine the maximum speed of the helicopter. The two coast guard helos I am familiar with are the old HH3-HF Pelican that had a V-Max forward airspeed of 142knots and the HH60 Jayhawk that is rated about 165

Answer 2

The cruising speed varies from about 130 km/hr to 275 km/hr depending on the model. An Aeropatiale SA.360 (275 km/hr), Silvercraft SH-4 (130 km/hr).

Answer 3

The max speed of a Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopter typically referred to as a Huey is around 135 mph. The typical cruise speed is around 125 mph.

Answer 4

1. 150mph