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Fuel Tech Experts FAQ » Fuel Consumption » Helicopter fuel consumption

Helicopter fuel consumption

Alex by Alex

Expert answer:

0

Quick answer

Helicopters use avgas or jet fuel, burning tens to hundreds of liters per hour. Light models may use 10–20 gallons/hour; large turbines can exceed 50–100 gph.

Detailed answer

Helicopters continuously generate lift through rotating blades—an inherently power-hungry process. A small piston-engine helicopter, like a Robinson R22, might burn around 7–10 gallons per hour, whereas a turbine model like a Bell 206 can range near 25–35 gph. Larger twin-engine or heavy-lift helos can top 100 gallons per hour at full load.

Fuel consumption also depends on payload, altitude, and flight profile. Hovering or carrying cargo typically uses more fuel than forward cruising. Pilots track usage carefully for flight planning. Modern helicopter engines incorporate efficient turbine designs, but vertical lift remains less fuel-friendly than fixed-wing aircraft. Still, for certain tasks—search and rescue, short hops, remote ops—helicopters are indispensable, accepting higher fuel burn for unique capabilities.

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