Isn't it amazing to observe what's happening on Earth from the heights of Mount Olympus? Luckily, thanks to advances in technology, you can defy gravity and feel like a celestial being for a while. All it takes is enough money to buy your own helicopter.
The world's most expensive planes may be much faster, but helicopters allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery. For those with several million dollars and a helipad, a helicopter is the ideal way to travel. We present to you Top 10 most expensive helicopters in the world.
10. Bell 505 Jet Ranger X — $1.5 million
Flight range: 566 km.
Cruising speed: 232 km/h.
Want to enjoy the views from a bird's eye view without the need for a TV, minibar or billiard tableFor the unpretentious millionaire, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a relatively affordable option.
This is a modern reimagining of the classic 206 JetRanger. While the Model X may not be a flying Mercedes-Benz, it does have a spacious cabin and even optional leather seats. A Garmin 1000 system makes piloting easier.
The only drawback is that the cabin is quite noisy.
9. Airbus H155 – $10 million
Flight range: 857 km.
Cruising speed: 281 km/h.
This model is part of the luxury Dauphin H155 helicopter line and is designed for the ultra-wealthy. Depending on the configuration, the Airbus H155 cabin can accommodate 8 to 12 passengers in addition to the two pilots. Large windows on each side of the cabin provide passengers with a wide field of view, and amenities like leather seats and air conditioning ensure you'll fly in maximum comfort.
8. AgustaWestland AW139 – $12 million
Flight range: 1250 km.
Cruising speed: 206 km/h.
In the helicopter industry, the AgustaWestland brand is synonymous with quality, and the AW139 further cements this reputation. This helicopter can accommodate 6 to 8 passengers, and its meticulously designed cabin allows for a variety of seating configurations. The energy-absorbing landing gear and fuselage with integrated energy-absorbing structure ensure a smooth ride from takeoff to landing, allowing passengers to work on a laptop or relax during flight. Multifunctional screens are available for VIP entertainment.
7. Sikorsky S-76C - $12.95 million
Flight range: 832 km.
Cruising speed: 287 km/h.
One of the finest examples of American technology, it is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1S1 turboshaft engines and designed to be lighter and use fewer parts than a typical helicopter. The S-76C's cabin is ventilated and heated and seats up to eight passengers.
6. AgustaWestland AW609 – $14 million
Flight range: 1389 km.
Cruising speed: 510 km/h.
This beautiful and fast helicopter boasts vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It's the world's first civilian tiltrotor, and none of its more expensive counterparts can match it. The AW609 is arguably the future of luxury commercial helicopters. It seats six to nine passengers and is designed for the civil aviation market, particularly VIP clients and offshore oil and gas operators.
5. Bell 525 Relentless – $15 million
Flight range: 926 km.
Cruising speed: 287 km/h.
The top five helicopters for millionaires opens with a helicopter nicknamed "The Relentless." While still in development, it completed its maiden flight on July 1, 2015. Designed to carry up to 19 passengers, it is rated as a "Super-Medium," ideal for supporting offshore oil and gas operations.
Passengers on the Bell 525 Relentless will be seated in ergonomic swivel chairs. The cabin will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a state-of-the-art lighting system, a minibar, and air conditioning. If the owner so desires, the interior of their flying machine can be finished in gold and fine wood.
4. Airbus H215 Super Puma – $15.5 million
Flight range: 841 km.
Cruising speed: 252 km/h.
This is one of the most expensive multi-role helicopters (formerly known as the AS332). It can carry up to 19 passengers. However, the size of this flying castle doesn't make it slow.
The massive cabin can accommodate areas such as a relaxation area (lounge), a kitchen and a shower.
3. Sikorsky S-92 - $17.7 million
Flight range: 999 km.
Cruising speed: 280 km/h.
The S-92 offers less space than some other helicopters on this list, accommodating no more than 10 passengers. However, those ten passengers will fly in sybaritic luxury. The helicopter's cabin features leather seats, ample legroom, storage space, and air conditioning. High-quality furnishings and amenities make the S-92's interior feel like the Palace of Versailles. Fortunately, you're unlikely to encounter any Jacobins at 4,000 meters above the ground.
2. AgustaWestland AW101 - $21 million
Flight range: 1300 km.
Cruising speed: 278 km/h.
With the largest cabin in its class, the AW101 can accommodate up to 30 passengers. Three turbine engines propel this majestic fortress through the skies at 278 km/h.
This model has excellent safety features and the latest vibration reduction technology, and is ideal for both military and commercial applications.
1. Airbus H225 Super Puma – $27 million
Flight range: 857 km.
Cruising speed: 275.5 km/h.
This 11-ton giant is the largest member of the Super Puma helicopter family. In addition to carrying 20 passengers, the H225 can also handle heavy cargo and is popular with search and rescue teams and wealthy businessmen.
The most expensive helicopter offers all the features you'd expect from a high-end rotorcraft: a spacious cabin, reconfigurable flooring, adjustable heating and ventilation systems, soundproof upholstery, and luxury areas.
While it flies a bit slower than other helicopters on this list, the H225 makes up for it with its enormous size and plethora of capabilities. It's an airborne flagship, well-suited for transporting elite passengers—as it should be, since only they can afford such a "toy.".