The MI-38 was developed as a multirole helicopter by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. Only room for one pilot and all designed for them to be looking down at the 6000 lb external load they are swinging around! Customer satisfaction is our priority. The most common helicopters lift between 2,000-4,000lbs/908-1,820Kg and are used extensively for construction, exploration & mining. Although being retired from many armed forces across the world this allows more of them to enter the commercial sector as an efficient and flexible member of any fleet. Produced as part of a strategic alliance between Boeing and Bell helicopters, the V-22 Osprey is a unique aircraft with multi-transmission abilities. This means the Chinook can lift about 26,600 lbs, or about 12065 Kg. Now thats funny. Used in many roles from construction, fire fighting, disaster relief, and now as an Un-Manned supply helicopter in use with the US Navy. Russia is going to build a new military helicopter that will be able to fly at a "revolutionary" speed of 400 kilometers per hour, slightly below the official world record, a Russian source in the military tech industry told RIA Novosti on 04 February 2015. Popularly known as Halo, the MI-26 is the worlds largest helicopter in production. The Z-20 helicopter has an improved aerodynamic structure, integrating a five-bladed rotor and an angular tail-to-fuselage joint frame. The Mil Mi-8 is a Russian manufactured aircraft, currently serving as the worlds most produced helicopter with over 17,000 units having been built since initial production began in 1961. Medium-Lift Utility Helicopter. Currently top 10 most capable military transport helicopters in the world are these: Nr.1 Mil Mi-26 (Russia) The Mil Mi-26 is the world's largest production helicopter. The U.S. Government is expected to release the Request for Proposal for the medium-lift aircraft in 2019. The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) is a British military programme to procure a new medium-lift support helicopter to replace several existing helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force and British Army. Its maximum weight when empty is 54,410lb and has a top speed of 146mph. Get Your Visa Card Out! This military helicopter operates in all-weather conditions. This single-engine crane is a great lifter but is slowly dwindling in numbers due to lack of parts/support, even though this is the most powerful single-engined helicopter still flying. The average total time for a helicopters currently listed on GlobalAir.com is 6,980 hrs. Image courtesy of Army Sgt. Chain Link Fencing Gate Wheels. The Z-20 entered active service with the Chinese armed forces in 2018. How much each helicopter can lift is based on its design and engine power. In this first part you will find heavy-lift and medium-lift helicopters! The Army stated that they need the CAB to be modular designed to enable task organization and optimize aviation capability for specific mission of specified duration. That means it can be used for search and rescue missions, transport passengers and cargo, perform offshore tasks, and air ambulance services. Just like the Vertol, Columbia Helicopters also gained the FAA Type Certificate for the CH-47 from Boeing to be able to commercially use and modify the Chinook to optimize it for logging, construction, and firefighting among many other roles. I am an aviation nut! On March 11 last year, the Ministry of Defence identified 18 major strategic platforms for industry-led design and development in the country. : Bell-212, Bell-205, BK-117, S-58), ICS-type III: 100 gal water, 5 seats including the pilot, allowable payload 1200 lbs. My original question stipulated FAA, CAA as examples of the level I was looking for. The MOD indicated that it anticipated 36 to 44 new helicopters would be procured, as well as two cockpit flight simulators and one cabin simulator. This is the smallest tandem rotor helicopter in the Columbia fleet allowing for heavy loads to be moved but at a lower cost than the Chinook. The S-92 medium-lift twin-engine helicopter is manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Lifting Capacity Internal: 12,500 lbs / 5,670 Kg, Lifting Capacity External: 9,000 lbs / 4,100 Kg. Powered by Invision Community, Vertical Reference Helicopter Message Board, one of the helicopter air ambulance providers. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, military logistics, CASEVAC, medical evacuation, command and control, and troop transport. Each engine produces 3,270kW rated power that ensures the helicopter can take off with a maximum weight of 73,500lb. They can be used by organizations, hospitals, media stations, police, the navy, the military, and other government organizations for various purposes, mainly to carry people, troops, and cargo. Also called the Super cougar or Caracal, the EC 725 was built in France to improve search and find rescue missions. The most common helicopters lift between 2,000-4,000lbs . The helicopter's impressive cruise speed of 300km/h makes it one of the fastest helicopters in the world. Russia became the first country in the world that introduced the term "fifth-generation helicopter." I'm still thinking of any other references. There were three types of combat aviation brigades. Made famous for its global construction & firefighting roles with a female name painted on each nose, the Skycrane is a true workhorse! It is designed to support several mission configurations, including offshore, law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR) and VIP transport. Harbin incorporated advanced technologies into the helicopter design to reduce noise and improve stealth capabilities. The higher the helicopter goes, the lower the air density becomes so it will not be able to lift as much. The Z-20 helicopter is a new medium-lift utility helicopter operated by China's People's Liberation Army Ground Force. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It has made significant improvements, such as the fuselage, which has a shallower cabin and a more resounding tail boom to allow more cargo to be hoisted. For instance, it has new engines, airframes, avionics, and rotor systems. On the fire side of the house the classifications breakdown to something like this: ICS-type I: 700 gal water, 16 seats including the pilot, allowable payload 5000 lbs. I'm looking more for FAA or an international equivalent body's definition of these classes of helicopters that the helicopter manufacturers and, more specifically, the aviation press seems to use without really defining. I may receive a small, no-cost-to you commission for any purchases made through these links and it really helps to maintain this site. 6. It can be fitted with add-on armor plating to operate in combat environments. ", Medium-lift transport, Utility helicopter. The King Stallion is an upgrade of the CH-53E super stallion, which was previously the biggest and heaviest helicopter outside Russia. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Rival aircraft manufacturers Eurocopter and Sikorsky are testing prototype models, with the Sikorsky X2 surpassing 460 kmph and Eurocopter X3 featuring slightly lower speed but superior cost-effectiveness. AW149: New Medium Helicopter animated tour This animated tour of the AW149 medium lift helicopter showcases the aircraft's multi-role capability, including possible configurations for Troop Transport, Cargo Pallet Resupply, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, Search & Rescue, SF/Combat SAR, Command & Control, and Close Air Support. * How High Can You Go In a Helicopter? This machine is designed to lift from a small fuselage footprint and it can lift! [5], Despite the MOD at the time having yet to release a formal requirement, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Sikorsky all displayed their proposals to meet the NMH requirement at the DSEI 2021 defence exhibition in September 2021. In service with 13 Countries Armed Forces in either as a Naval or Tactical Transport Helicopter. (Note: images and configuration are for reference only and may not reflect final . Table of Limits - Lycoming Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger 2006-2008 Torque Specifications Repair Guide. Airports are of 2 types: civil airports, and military airports and their naming comes from two different sources. The S-61R served in the United States Air Force and in the United States Coast Guard. The K variant is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps with additional contracts to supply Germany and Israel. Subscribe to get my latest content & updates by email. Image courtesy of Xinhua/Li Ran. Prominent examples of utility helicopters include the American Bell Huey family, Russian Mil Mi-2 series and the French Arospatiale Alouette III. However, older types due to be retired shortly include the Army Air Corps'. The latest generation of this military-moving monster. Since its first appearanceat the Paris Air Show in 1981, Halo has been sold worldwide to over 20 countries. The Russian Helicopters Mi-26T is an absolute behemoth of the skies. As for the specs, the MI-38 can carry 32 troops and 16 stretchers. New Video Every SaturdayTOP 10 CARGO HELICOPTER. While its development began in the early 70s, designers had bigger plans and a goal to produce a helicopter with a capacity twice any modern machine could have. Although we do our best to keep this list up-to-date, some projects may no longer be . Currently, there is a fleet of 960+ medium-lift helicopters across the EU. All aircraft Airships Airborne early warning aircraft Anti-submarine aircraft Bomber aircraft Attack aircraft Command and control aircraft Electronic warfare aircraft Experimental aircraft Fighter aircraft Reconnaissance Tankers Trainers Utility aircraft Military helicopters v t e This is a list of United States military helicopters These definitions so far are just descriptions to help incident commanders and planners know what capability the aircraft have without having to know the specifics of each type of helicopter. When outfitted for transportation roles, the Mi-8 may carry 26 passengers, 12 stretchers, 8,800 lb of hardpoints, or a combination of the three. Twin-engined medium used helicopter in good condition with VIP-interior. By the end of the Cold War the Soviet Union was the second largest helicopter producing country and a world leader in the production of large heavy lift helicopters. With an advanced composite structure, integrated avionics and powerful engines this is a great flagship for the country. The engineering behind the contra-rotating main rotors is phenomenal. I have seen this thing up close and even having an engineering background it blew my mind! Mid-sized helicopters may serve a variety of applications, and there are many models that are for civil or military use. Perhaps it is all bleed-over from the fire fighting entities that the rest of the helicopter industry even uses them. A small Robinson R22 can lift up to 400lbs/180Kg, whereas the Mil Mi-26 can lift over 44,000lbs/20,000Kg. Its flexible and strongly built configuration enables successful operations in hostile and versatile tropical, cold, and maritime environments. This unique heavy lifter can fly far and fast! You Can Get A Competitive Quote Within Just 15 Minutes of Submitting Your RFQ. Additionally, they come with the capacity for other tasks. December 3, 2008 in General Helicopter Forum. The MI-38 is an upgrade to the MI-17 series, but it was initially built as an improved version of MI-8. The Army also said that the new CAB design is doctrinally sound which delivers the combat, combat support, and combat service support to "enable steady state" operations required in an era of persistent conflict, and this new CAB will be constructed to deliver combat power while maximizing efficiencies in training, maintenance and support across the Army.[2][3]. The project is in the R&D phase right now," the source said. How Much Fuel Does a Helicopter Burn? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Medium-Lift Transport / Utility Helicopter. Kaman HH-43B Huskie, National Museum of the United States Air Force, 15 July 2017. Can You Land On Mount Everest? I suppose that is the reference you were using? The majority of helicopters in ArmA 3 are able to slingload cargo underneath them. Today, it has been adopted by Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, and other countries interested in ordering this aircraft. The deck can take onlytwo pilots, but one pilot can operate the aircraft. I use these articles to pass on cool facts and information to you whether you are a pilot or just love aviation too! Although no contract start date was indicated, it is specified as running for seven years from the date of award. Rotor & Wing references "Western classifications" of helicopters in discussing the several methods within the Russian helicopter industry/government. This latest version of the original Bell Huey is a tried & tested workhorse that is still going strong today. It can carry 11,000lbs internally and 15,000lbs externally. As of 2018 each CAB fields: The Army National Guard (ARNG) fields eight combat aviation brigades within its eight divisions as well as one theater aviation command which oversees two additional aviation brigades. At ASAP Aerospace, we carry a variety of parts and components for mid-size helicopters, including those for models such as the H175, UH-60 Black Hawk, and the Mil Mi-8. When you are in need of premium parts for mid-sized helicopters, we invite you to explore our robust catalogues to find everything you need with ease. AW101 Helicopter 6. The first Tilt Rotor Helicopter to go into mass production for the US Military. Some of the well-known missions Chinooks have been used in the past include Operations Desert Shield, desert storm, and the Gulf War. Sorry if this wasn't what you were looking for! But you leave an open ended question like that and you will get off the wall answers! You may have noticed other sellers using a similar name offering similar products. I'm an ATP-rated helicopter pilot & former flight instructor with over 3500 hours spanning 3 countries and many different flying jobs. Linc, as you didn't specify which industry you were looking at or something more specific I through out the Fire typing as I know it. The CH-53 Stallion CH-53 Stallion Making its first flight in 1974, the Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion entered service in 1981 under the US Marine Corps. In Russia there are four generations of shock rotorcraft: the first - the Mi-1, the second - the Mi-4, the third - the Mi-24, and the fourth - the Mi-28N and Ka-50 "Black shark" (Out of production) and Ka-52 "Alligator". NMH will provide a common medium-lift multirole helicopter, fitted for, but not with, specialist Mission Role Equipment (MRE) and able to operate in all environments in support of defence tasks . The primary contenders for the United Kingdom's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement are showcasing their respective offerings at the DSEI 2021 defence exhibition, taking place in London from . The largest helicopter in the Columbia fleet this modified, light-weight Chinook is a common sight at large construction projects around the world. This machine is a great all-round helicopter. Designed to meet the Peoples Liberation Armys requirement for a medium-lift utility helicopter, the Z-20 is considered to be the countrys first indigenously developed medium-lift helicopter. 16. Halo started its operation in 1983. The Twin Huey! A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, military logistics, CASEVAC, medical evacuation, command and control, and troop transport. It forms a crucial element of composite squadrons supplying heavy cargo and supplies for amphibious assault missions. The engine is expected to deliver a maximum power of 1,600kW. The control panels in the cockpit feature multifunctional screens. Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf American company Boeing offers its MH-139 Grey Wolf for the UK New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirements, which was the winner of a US Air Force competition to replace the Vietnam-era Bell UH-1Ns. 2003. "The helicopter will have a revolutionary speed of roughly 400 kilometers per hour [248.5 mph; 215.9 knots]. #ga-ad {display: none;}
The latest heavy-utility helicopter from the Russian Helicopter Company. Vertical Reference Its development began in the early 1970s. Z-20s cockpit has large windows that occupy more than 50% area of the helicopters forward fuselage. Before You Go, You Should Check Out Our NSN Parts Catalog! When it comes to specs, Halos charge area with rear ramp closed is 12m long, 3.2 m wide, and has a minimum cling height of 2.9m. This list answers the question, "What does Medium-lift transport look like?" AgustaWestland AW101 Medium-lift transport, Utility helicopter When classifying helicopters, the standard global convention is to use weight to differentiate between classes. Airbus Helicopters NH90. The civilian variant of the hugely popular CH-3 Sea King, the S61N helicopter is a construction and firefighting premier. A prototype engine is expected to be unveiled by the Klimov design bureau later this year. Built by a European consortium of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo & Fokker Aerostructures to meet the requirement from NATO for a multi-role medium-lift military helicopter. U.S. Navy Special Operations and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter, The UH-1Y Venom is currently in full-rate production to replace the, Experimental high-speed compound helicopter, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 23:02. 21-10-2016 18:40:26 ZULU. The Z-20 entered active service with the Chinese armed forces in 2018. 0 per nucleotide You can use _ as a "blank" nucleotide, in which case only the nucleotides from other reads will be considered Reads need not be the same length For example > 0. and its maximum take-off weight is 50,000lb. So would a CH-46/Vertol 107/Skycrane be a Medium compared to the BIG ASS rusky machine? The Z-20 medium-lift helicopter was displayed at the China Helicopter Exposition held in Tianjin, in October 2019. Eurocopter X3 It is an experimental high-speed compound helicopter which was designed by Eurocopter (now Airbus. Leonardo has indicated that it would assemble the AW149 at a new assembly-line at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, England. This heavy-lift helicopter can perform multiple transport missions like carrying troops, war supplies, battlefield equipment, and other cargo. The Z-20 helicopter is a new medium-lift utility helicopter operated by Chinas People's Liberation Army Ground Force. It accommodates 44 passengers. Building on the legendary heritage or the AS332 of Arospatiale and then Eurocopter. 2007. It is known in the West as Halo. Starting in 2010, the Army began to replace the medium and light CABs with multipurpose brigades, called "full spectrum CABs". Lots of cabin room for military troop transport and then power for serious lifting on construction projects and fire fighting. The top ten list of world's fastest helicopter is given below: 1. A 2004 report (pdf format) by the Congress Research Service, stating that there is no uniform classification in the industry, internationally or nationally. The Z-20 helicopter is identical to the Black Hawk in terms of shape, size and layout. 1969. Each of these helicopters is different from its predecessor in more advanced avionics, enhanced nomenclature of arms and some technical innovations, but in fact represents only a modernization of varying degrees of depth. The MI-38 comes with two Klimov TV7-117V powerful engines. One of the most unique helicopters on the planet. Leonardo Helicopters' AW149 represents the best solution for replacing the Royal Air Force's (RAF's) Airbus Helicopters Puma HC2 transports and a trio of medium-lift types flown by the . In the past 30 days, the price has ranged from as low as $550,000 and as high as $2,159,531. I'm an ATP rated helicopter pilot & former flight instructor with over 3500 hours spanning 3 countries and many different flying jobs. This is the weight limit that I based this list on. If you want to know more about me, just click on my picture! France and China manufacture the helicopter as EC 175 (Changed to H175 in 2015) and the Harbin Z-15, respectively. It is expected the new aircraft will enter service during the mid-2020s. This is a list of United States military helicopters. The Honours Thesis research projects listed below are available only to McGill Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate students in the Honours program and registered for MECH 403-404 courses. A small Robinson R22 can lift up to 400lbs/180Kg, whereas the Mil Mi-26 can lift over 44,000lbs/20,000Kg. The average price of a helicopters for sale on GlobalAir.com is $1,336,614. However, this was a focus on military aircraft only. The more the helicopter can lift, the bigger the helicopter will have to be and the more it will cost to run. It first made its way into the sky in 2000 and was delivered to the French air force in 2005. Again, I voice my frustration at the use of light, medium, and heavy with respect to helicopters without a real definition tying it to either FARs or the ICAO standards. The AH1-W and Z are used in the, Five versions: OH-58A, OH-58C, OH58C/S, OH-58D, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. c) LIGHT (L) aircraft types of 7,000kg or less. Please take a moment to let us know how we are doing by answering just a few questions so we can improve our service and your experience. Since then, 1160 of its kind have been built, including model license-produced in Japan and Italy and exported all over the world. : Boeing-234, S-64, AS-332, Vertol-107) #BharatForge Limited and Paramount Group sign MOU for Collaboration for Development and Production of Composite Rotor Blades, Mission Systems and Stores Management systems for Medium Lift Helicopters. Airplane windows can and do break. In regards to rotorcraft that fall into the category of mid-sized helicopters, their weight typically ranges between 14,000 and 45,000 lb maximum gross weight. With record-breaking specifications throughout its entire fuselage, this is the Worlds Biggest Load Lifting Helicopter able to take over 44,000 lbs (20,000 kg) on the hook! Developed to meet the US Army requirements, the CH-47 first flew in 1961. Airbus Helicopters Tiger (EC665) Twin-Seat, Twin-Engine Dedicated Attack Helicopter. All shipments must comply with U.S.A export laws. This helicopter was operated by the Russian Air Force and other smaller civil agencies. More Military/Technology:http://b. List items include Westland Sea King, Sikorsky S-70 and more. A broad range of recent advances in technology, production methods and operational concepts will be . Four brigades must be deployment-ready on a permanent basis. Officials expect a large share of this requirement to be fulfilled by the IMRH. It is an interesting aircraft with incredible abilities as it can refuel in the air and land on ships and other vessels. In 2006 Columbia Helicopters gained the FAA Type Certificate for the CH-46 from Boeing to be able to commercially use and modify the Vertol to optimize it primarily for logging & construction. When it comes to the specs, the EC 725 has an external payload of 9,900 lbs. The rotorcraft employs an active vibration control to minimise vibrations. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Utility_helicopter&oldid=1116432892, This page was last edited on 16 October 2022, at 14:59. A Combat aviation brigade (CAB) is a multi-functional brigade-sized unit in the United States Army that fields military helicopters, offering a combination of attack/reconnaissance helicopters (Boeing AH-64 Apache), medium-lift helicopters (Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk), heavy-lift helicopters (Boeing CH-47 Chinook), and MEDEVAC capability. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey Lifting Capacity Single Cargo Hook: 10,000 lbs / 4,536 Kg Another great product by the Russian Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant is the MI-10, which entered service in 1962. The H175 is one of the newest on the block. For this reason, the Mi-28 and Mi-28N can be attributed to the same generation, and different generations. Please visit website (www.fallenheroesfund.org) and help in their valiant effort. IMRH is aimed to replace all the current Mil Mi-17 and Mil Mi-8 helicopters across the Indian armed forces. That means it is more of a tiltrotor than an actual helicopter. (e.g. (e.g. Airbus Helicopters H155 (EC155) Medium-Lift, Multi-role Twin-Engine Helicopter 11 2020 Airbus Helicopters H160 (X4) Medium-Lift Multi-role Transport Helicopter 12 2014 Airbus Helicopters H175 Medium-Lift Utility Helicopter 13 2004 Airbus Helicopters H225/H215 (Super Puma) Medium- / Heavy-Lift Transport Helicopter 14 2005 On 22 March 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) published Defence in a Competitive Age, in which it indicated that it would invest in a new medium-lift helicopter during the mid-2020s. If you are interested in one of the thesis projects, please send an expression of interest to the contact email provided. The Black Hawk fleet has been in service with China for over three decades. Anyone have a government (FAA, CAA, etc.) The Z-20 has the option to be armed with missiles and machine guns. Russia is reportedly allocating large sums to build an advanced high-speed helicopter. The Lama held the World Altitude Record (12,442m/40,820ft) for over 40 years until 2002 when Fred North flew to 12,954m/42,500ft in an AS350 B2 Astar. Mil Mi-8MT Helicopter The PAF has received three (3) Airbus-CASA C-295M medium tactical transport aircraft under the Capability Upgrade Project (CUP) projects of the AFP Modernization Program's Medium Lift Fixed-Wing Aircraft Acquisition Project. Unaffected by wind this machine offers quick turnarounds between lifts making it very cost effective. The CH-53K is more intelligent, reliable, survivable, and low maintenance as it is designed to withstand the most remote and austere operating bases. and an internal payload of roughly 12,500 lbs. Derived from OH-6 lineage; used for special operations in the United States Army. 2010. The FAA breaks things down by installed passenger seats. Several companies are already touting potential replacements for the new medium helicopter (NMH) requirement: Leonardo is pitching its AW149 medium-lift helicopter and Airbus a variant of its H175." The 2021 "Defence Command Paper". How much each helicopter can lift is based on its design and engine power. What? Another one of the worlds Odd Looking helicopters but this is the true lifting machine. The Army National Guard brigade is different from the Army's full spectrum combat aviation brigade as it replaces the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior of attack reconnaissance squadron with the Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota and organized into support and security battalion (S&S BN). The Textron Lycoming T55-L712 engines power the Chinook. For helicopters optimized for aerial lifting, the helicopter is stripped bare of all non-essential equipment or even go as far as designing the entire helicopter around the hook to lift as much as possible. We Proudly Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that serves United States Military Personal experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). United States Army 2010 Weapons System Handbook (PDF file, 41.6 mb), United States Coast Guard Aircraft and Cutters page, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_United_States_military_helicopters&oldid=1129957474, Large heavy lift helicopter used by the Army designated "Mojave" and Marines nicknamed "Deuce", The UH-1 was in the service of the U.S. Army during the, used as the official helicopters of the President of the United States. It is produced by two countries currently, albeit for their own use. It is currently operated by the Royal Thai Army and Egyptian Navy. Also known as the White Heron, the Z-18 is closely related to European-made large helicopters' duo; the Avicopter AC313 and Arospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I agree that there is no real standard. Making its first flight in 1962, #6 on the list of best heavy lift helicopters gets its name from a remarkably tall Indian chief who lived between 1742 and 1812. A utility helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter capable of fulfilling many different roles. It can carry two pilots, 38 troops, or 24 stretchers. A recent news release by the British Army on 1 April, revealed some additional details: (e.g. If youre curious to know some of the worlds best heavy-lift helicopters in the world, this post is for you. I like your style Hedge36. It is a flying crane configuration of the MI-6 that retains many of the equipment and systems such as the rotor, engines, and transmission system. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Its lightweight fuselage and powerful engine make it perfect as an aerial crane. Thus, everything with 9 or fewer seats is light, 10 or more (B412, S76, etc) is medium, and anything that requires a type rating is heavy. According to another contributor to this discussion, FAA Part 27 uses 7,000 lbs and specifies nine passengers or less, and Part 29 uses above and below 20,000 lbs and references 9 or less passenger seats and 10 or more passenger seats, but refers to Category A and B, not necessarily light, medium, or heavy.