The first sketches of helicopters appeared in China around 400 AD, and the works of Leonardo da Vinci are also known. However, the first flight took place only in 1907. The helicopter built by the brothers Louis and Jacques Breguet rose only 50 centimeters into the air, but it marked the beginning of the helicopter era.
Today, a huge number of helicopters are in operation worldwide, and which ones are produced more than others, you may ask? This will be discussed in the Top 10 Most Mass-Produced Helicopters.
1MI-8, 17000+
A multipurpose helicopter built in the USSR in the 1960s. It is the most mass-produced twin-engine helicopter in the world. The helicopter is operated in more than 100 countries, with over 17,000 units built.
2Bell UH-1 Iroquois, 16000+
An American multipurpose helicopter produced since 1960. It was used during the Vietnam War.
3Bell 206 Jetranger, 8460
A light multipurpose helicopter produced since 1968 as a training helicopter.
4Bell 47, 5600
An American light helicopter produced from 1946 to 1973. It remained the best helicopter in its class until the late 1960s.
5Мi-2, 5497
A Soviet multipurpose helicopter produced from the 1960s; it was also produced under license in Poland. It was operated in many countries worldwide. Production ceased in 1992.
6Robinson R44, 5324
An American light multipurpose four-seat commercial helicopter. Since 1999, the R44 has been the world’s best-selling helicopter.
7Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, 4700
An American light helicopter. It was recognized as the best in the US Army’s competition for a light reconnaissance and liaison helicopter. During the Vietnam War, 964 out of 1422 participating Hughes OH-6 Cayuse helicopters were lost.
8Robinson R22, 4484
An American light commercial two-seat helicopter. Produced since 1975. It is operated in 60 countries worldwide. It is one of the smallest helicopters in the world.
9Eurocopter AS350, 4105
A French multipurpose helicopter produced since 1974. On May 14, 2005, this helicopter made the world’s first landing on Mount Everest.
10Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, 4000
An American multipurpose helicopter, named “Black Hawk” after a leader of the Sauk Native American tribe. Produced since 1976. The helicopter has participated in numerous military conflicts, one of which was depicted in the movie “Black Hawk Down.”
