Common uses of helicopters

There are many different types of helicopters that have different uses and functions. Some of the common uses of helicopters are:

Transportation:

Helicopters can carry people and cargo from one place to another, especially in areas where landing fields are not available or convenient. Helicopters can also transport large objects, such as vehicles, equipment, or structures, by using slings or hooks attached to their fuselage. Some examples of transportation helicopters are the Sikorsky S-76¹, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook², and the Erickson S-64 Skycrane³.

Military:

Helicopters can perform various roles in the military, such as attack, transport, reconnaissance, rescue, or special operations. Helicopters can also provide air support to ground troops, fire missiles or rockets at targets, or deploy troops by rappelling or fast-roping. Some examples of military helicopters are the AH-64 Apache⁴, the UH-60 Black Hawk, and the MH-6 Little Bird.

Emergency services:

Helicopters can be used as flying ambulances to carry patients or medical personnel to hospitals or trauma centers. Helicopters can also be used for search and rescue missions, such as locating and retrieving people who are lost, injured, or stranded in remote or dangerous areas. Helicopters can also be loaded with water or fire retardant to fight large fires or wildfires. Some examples of emergency service helicopters are the Eurocopter EC145, the Bell 412, and the Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk.

Tourism:

Helicopters can be used for sightseeing tours, aerial photography, or recreational flights. Helicopters can offer a unique perspective and experience of scenic places, landmarks, or natural wonders. Helicopters can also be used for adventure sports, such as heli-skiing, heli-biking, or heli-fishing. Some examples of tourism helicopters are the Robinson R44, the Bell 206 JetRanger, and the Airbus H125.

Media:

Helicopters can be used by television and radio stations to fly over cities and report on traffic, weather, news, or events. Helicopters can also be used by filmmakers or photographers to capture aerial shots or scenes for movies, documentaries, or commercials. Helicopters can also be used by celebrities or VIPs to travel in style or avoid traffic jams. Some examples of media helicopters are the Eurocopter AS350, the MD Helicopters MD 500, and the AgustaWestland AW109.

Conclusion

These are some of the main types of helicopters by their use. There are also many other types of helicopters that have specific functions or roles, such as police helicopters, firefighting helicopters, first aid helicopters, agricultural helicopters, or observation helicopters. Helicopters are versatile and useful aircraft that can perform many tasks that other aircraft cannot

Sources

(1) Helicopter Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter.

(2) Helicopter | Facts, History, & Types | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/helicopter.

(3) What Is a Helicopter? | NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-a-helicopter-58.html.

(4) What Is a Helicopter? | NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-a-helicopter-k4.html.