Welcome to Vertipedia!

What is Vertipedia?
Vertipedia is a comprehensive online reference for vertical lift aircraft. Our goal is to provide high-quality information on aircraft design and configuration, key physical and performance characteristics, and rotors and powerplants to industry, academia and the public.

Vertipedia provides data on a wide and growing range of aircraft, from historical and experimental examples to up-to-the-minute machines in front-line service. Each aircraft provides an overview that contains basic information such as manufacturer, operational status, and number of engines. This information is available to all.

Much more complete, in-depth views, however, are available to AHS members. This includes dimensional and layout data, specific performance data, powerplant information, and data on lift and control devices such as main and tail rotors. If you are not currently a member of AHS, we provide valuable benefits well beyond Vertipedia - why not join us today?
Learn more...
Get started!
Vertipedia's search page provides a number of ways to locate individual aircraft, as well as manufacturer and operator information.

Finding information in Vertipedia: More specific searches can be made based on VTOL type (i.e. autogyro, helicopter, jet lift, and so on), by lift configuration (i.e. single main rotor, coaxial rotor, tilt wing), or even by operational status.

Give it a try!
Learn more...
Help Vertipedia grow!
Vertipedia currently contains data on 867 aircraft and 465 powerplants. 395 organizations are also represented, including manufacturers, operators and design authorities.

One day, Vertipedia will be the standard reference for all makes and models of vertical lift aircraft ever flown. But we need your help to get there. If you'd like to contribute, check out how you can get involved! We are looking for volunteers across the AHS membership to help Vertipedia grow, especially in areas like research and data entry.
Learn more...
On May 19 in the history of vertical flight:

1927 - First flight of a rotorcraft with lead-lag hinges (modified Cierva C.7)

1961 - First flight of the production Boeing Vertol BV-107-II

Featured Aircraft
Our latest featured aircraft for May is the Erickson S-64F/CH-54B Aircrane .

Entering service as the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe heavy-lift helicopter, this aircraft became known as the S-64 Aircrane when Erickson Air-Crane purchased the type certificates, as well as manufacturing and support rights, from Sikorsky in 1992. The S-64F models are upgraded, certified CH-54B aircraft, with remanufactured airframes.

Used in construction, logging, and firefighting around the world, these aircraft set several flight records, many of which are still current. For example, in 1971 a S-64F/CH-54B set a record for highest altitude in level flight (11,010 m, or 36,122 ft) that still stands today.

The Aircranes are unique in that they feature an aft-facing position for load master or engineer. The aircraft can be piloted from this position. While three crew are employed when carrying external loads, only two crew (as per EASA TCDS No. EASA.IM.R.003 page 6) are required to fly the aircraft.

Let us know how we are doing!
We want to hear your opinion - let us know how we are doing using the "Feedback" link to the left. Or, contact the Vertipedia team directly using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of each page.
Join the discussion!
Share your expert opinions, or read the opinions of others, in our discussion forums. Here's some of the latest talk on Vertipedia's aircraft:
Jun 17, 2017: RE: What was the date of the first helicopter Type certificate?
Issue clarified via and the [url=https://vertipedia.vtol.org/milestones.cfm?milestoneID=10]milestone has been updated in Vertipedia[/url] ...  [read more]
Jun 11, 2017: Date of the first heliciopter Type certificate?
There is currently a milestone in Vertipedia that shows that first helicopter Type certificate was awarded to the Bell 47B on Mar 08, 1946 (see link below). ...  [read more]
Dec 21, 2016: RE: XV-15
Post discussions with the Vertipedia team it has been agreed to restructure this entry to reflect only the XV-15 TRRA and remove the XV-3 as the parent Type. Th ...  [read more]
Sep 1, 2016: RE: Tip-jet propulsion systems and anti-torque devices
There are a number of different forms of anti-torque device. These include, - Fenestrons, or ducted/shrouded tail rotors - these usually include many more bl ...  [read more]
Aug 31, 2016: RE: Tip-jet propulsion systems and anti-torque devices
Thanks comodo15, that makes sense. Are there anti-torque devices other than tail rotors? ...  [read more]
Aug 25, 2016: RE: Tip-jet propulsion systems and anti-torque devices
A great question! To make the rotor rotate something has to overcome the drag forces on each blade, which require a compensating torque to applied to the rot ...  [read more]
Aug 24, 2016: RE: FIrst flight of the McDonnell XV-1 Convertaplane
The [url=http://www.vtol.org/qr/july-2013/]AHS Calendar entry for July 2013[/url] seems to fully support your response and the [url=http://vertipedia.vtol.org/m ...  [read more]
Aug 19, 2016: Re: McDonnell XV-1
“My research says the first lift off of ship #1 was Feb. 1954 [url=https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi09 ...  [read more]
Aug 16, 2016: Tip-jet propulsion systems and anti-torque devices
I see you have some aircraft with main rotors driven by tip jets, such as the [url=http://vertipedia.vtol.org/aircraft.cfm?aircraftID=294]Hiller Hornet[/url], t ...  [read more]
Aug 11, 2016: RE: Twist definitions
"Twist on a wing is most usually defined as positive nose up from root to tip; this is called wash-in. Most wings in practice have negative twist from root to t ...  [read more]
What's new in Vertipedia?
Newest aircraft: MDHI 520N
Recently updated:
William Bousman
Roger Hoh
James Baeder
Dr. James Reason
Aircraft: 867
Organizations: 395
Powerplants: 465
Milestones: 620
 
 
The Latest News from VFS
 
Rotorcraft News from Google News

May 16, 2025: Program powers rotorcraft design for the Army - army.mil

May 18, 2025: Leonardo Taps Rising Demand for VIP and Corporate Helicopters - Aviation International News

May 16, 2025: Defense - The Boeing Company

May 13, 2025: Uncrewed Rotorcraft, Clean-Sheet Designs Vie For Contested Logistics - Aviation Week Network

Mar 17, 2025: Embry-Riddle Team Contributes to Design of NASA Rotorcraft Destined for Saturn’s Moon Titan - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Mar 11, 2025: Skyryse, United Rotorcraft partner to upgrade Airbus, Black Hawk helicopters, provide MRO services - PR Newswire

Mar 10, 2025: Japan's Sumitomo unit to buy Macquarie's helicopter leasing arm - Reuters

Feb 27, 2025: Studies proceed in earnest to develop a next-generation NATO rotorcraft - Euro-sd

May 14, 2025: Alpine Helicopters Picks Camp Systems Maintenance and Inventory Tools - Aviation International News

Apr 29, 2025: Rotorcraft SAF Study Confirms Engines Burn Cleaner, Greener - Aviation Week Network

May 15, 2025: Rain and Sikorsky Test Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter on Burning Brush - Aviation International News

Mar 31, 2025: Helicopter-Makers Line Up For U.S. Army Rotorcraft Training Refresh - Aviation Week Network

May 14, 2025: FAA Concerned About Bell 206 LongRanger Vertical Vibrations - Aviation International News

May 13, 2025: Blade Air Mobility Losses Ease as Passenger Revenues Leap in 2025 - Aviation International News

May 12, 2025: Helicopter Deliveries at Leonardo Soften but Orders Jump - Aviation International News

May 12, 2025: Bell Celebrates 6,000th Helicopter Made in Mirabel, Canada - Aviation International News

Mar 11, 2025: Macquarie Rotorcraft To Be Absorbed into Larger Lessor - Aviation International News

Mar 3, 2025: New Rotorcraft: More of the Same with Some Surprises in Store - Aviation International News

May 9, 2025: Greece Buying Airbus H215 Helicopters for Firefighting Operations - Aviation International News

Mar 10, 2025: MagniX Announces Helistorm Family of High Speed Electric Rotorcraft Engines - Aviation International News

Apr 23, 2025: FAA Targets ‘Hotspot’ Airports For Rotorcraft - Aviation Week Network

Mar 10, 2025: SMFL and LCI to acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited - Vertical Mag

Mar 28, 2025: Military Rotorcraft Leaders Unite at Avalon to Tackle Indo-Pacific Aviation Sustainment - army.mil

Apr 30, 2025: Certo Aerospace Gets More Funding For Co-Axial Uncrewed Rotorcraft - Aviation Week Network

Apr 30, 2025: Bell’s First 505 Sale to Netherlands Goes to Verdegro Group - Aviation International News

Mar 7, 2025: Sikorsky Establishes Next-gen Operator Advisory Group - Aviation International News

Apr 30, 2025: Bristow, Sikorsky Sign S-92 Enhanced Support Agreement - Aviation International News

May 1, 2025: NAVAIR to recompete MARV-EL unmanned logistics rotorcraft contest - Janes

Jan 7, 2025: EASA Releases NORAH2 Rotorcraft Noise Software and Database - Aviation International News

Mar 11, 2025: Leonardo Secures First Order For Algerian Rotorcraft Assembly Line - Aviation Week Network

Mar 10, 2025: Robinson Unveils New Large R88 Rotorcraft - Aviation Week Network

Feb 27, 2025: United Rotorcraft welcomes new VP of sales and business development - Vertical Mag

Feb 14, 2025: Rotorcraft-pilot coupling cited in AStar sling load crash - Vertical Mag

Mar 12, 2025: THC, Rotortrade Fleets Expand; Advanced Air Mobility on the Horizon - Aviation International News

Mar 17, 2025: Airbus Logs Commitments for 118 Helicopters at Verticon 2025 - Aviation International News

Sep 30, 2024: Boeing’s Late-Summer Rotorcraft Push - Defense Security Monitor

Feb 25, 2025: Canada Seeking Multiple Types For Tactical Rotorcraft Need - Aviation Week Network

Mar 11, 2025: United Rotorcraft Partners with Skyryse on Support for Digitized Helicopter Programs - Aviation International News

Mar 10, 2025: SMFL and LCI joint venture to acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft - AviTrader Aviation News

Jul 26, 2024: Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Advances to Next Phase of Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability Program - Lockheed Martin

Mar 13, 2025: Firefighting Rotorcraft Shortfall Prompts Bell’s 214ST Reboot - Aviation Week Network

Mar 3, 2025: Robinson Helicopters Support Firefighting Efforts - Aviation International News

Mar 21, 2025: Airbus And Robinson Reveal New Helicopters Amid Rotorcraft Resurgence - Aviation Week Network

Apr 9, 2025: Nighthawk: Rationale For A Mars Chopper Class Rotorcraft To Explore Noctis Labyrinthus - astrobiology.com

Apr 25, 2025: Bell Revenues Surge 35% in First-quarter 2025 - Aviation International News

May 2, 2025: Update: NAVAIR to recompete MARV-EL unmanned logistics rotorcraft contest - Janes

Mar 7, 2025: Rotorcraft-Makers’ Prospects Are Buoyed By Market Forces - Aviation Week Network

Mar 13, 2025: United Rotorcraft and DART Aerospace Announce Custom Helicopters as Launch Customer for the Novel Super Puma Fire Attack System - AerialFire

Mar 31, 2025: New Zealand Search and Rescue Orders Four Airbus H145 Helicopters - Aviation International News

Mar 10, 2025: MagniX Launches Electric Engine Family For Rotorcraft - Aviation Week Network

Dec 6, 2024: Macquarie Explores Sale of $1.2 Billion Helicopter Lessor - Bloomberg.com

Jan 16, 2025: U.S. Army Evaluates Optionally Piloted Flight Deck for Helicopters - Aviation International News

Oct 25, 2024: Three Insights into FLRAA, the Army’s Next-Gen Rotorcraft - Defense Security Monitor

May 1, 2025: Navigating a defining era in military rotorcraft: The future of crewed aviation and the role of autonomous systems - Leonardo UK

Mar 6, 2025: NATO Studies Are Shaping Future Medium Rotorcraft - Aviation Week Network

Mar 11, 2025: Airbus H160 Helicopter Begins Offshore Ops in Louisiana - Aviation International News

Feb 28, 2025: Light Rotorcraft Market Is Being Primed For Innovation - Aviation Week Network

Jan 9, 2025: Leonardo unveils design of Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft - Naval Today

Apr 16, 2025: Helijet Donates S-76A Helicopter for Medical Evacuation Flights in Ukraine - Aviation International News

Nov 26, 2024: Europe looks to future military rotorcraft - Royal Aeronautical Society

Apr 8, 2025: Department Rotorcraft - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)

Oct 31, 2024: Honeywell Partners with Near Earth Autonomy In Autonomous Rotorcraft Competitions - Avionics International

Jan 7, 2025: Leonardo unveils design of Proteus Uncrewed Rotorcraft Technology Demonstrator - Leonardo UK

Feb 3, 2025: VAST Effort Explores Helicopter Safety Rating System - Aviation International News

Jul 26, 2024: NATO Selects Three Companies For Next-Generation Rotorcraft Concept Study - The War Zone

Jan 8, 2025: Leonardo, UK Debut Uncrewed Rotorcraft ‘Proteus’ Demonstrator Design - The Defense Post

Mar 14, 2025: Boeing expands partnership with Donaldson for rotorcraft filtration solutions - Vertical Mag

Mar 12, 2025: Sumitomo unit to acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft - Asian Aviation

Jul 26, 2024: Airbus to lead NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability concept study - Airbus

Sep 19, 2024: Rotorcraft market faces headwinds in first half of 2024 - Helicopter Investor

Mar 10, 2025: Sikorsky Readies for S-92A+ Gearbox Certification - Aviation International News

Mar 7, 2025: Novel Technologies And New Entrants Shake Up Light Rotorcraft Market - Aviation Week Network

Jan 8, 2025: Leonardo, Royal Navy, UK MoD unveil Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft - Naval Technology

Mar 12, 2025: HI Uplift: SMFL buying Macquarie Rotorcraft - Helicopter Investor

Jul 26, 2024: NATO awards Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed next generation rotorcraft concept contracts - Breaking Defense

Apr 3, 2025: AW139 Full-flight Simulator Launched at Faroe Islands Training Facility - Aviation International News

Apr 15, 2025: FAA Reports Sharp Rise in Rotorcraft Fatal Accidents in March 2025 - Aviation International News

Apr 7, 2025: Sikorsky’s Blown Wing Aircraft Gives Glimpse of Future Hybrid-electric Technology - Aviation International News

Mar 4, 2025: News from Verticon 2025 - Aviation International News

Apr 17, 2025: Skytrac and Sikorsky Partner on Next-gen Real-time HUMS for S-92 Fleet - Aviation International News

Jan 28, 2025: Single-engine Helicopter Market Stable, Supply Climbs - Aviation International News

Dec 13, 2024: Jackson studies Martian winds with NASA rotorcraft data - Boise State University

Mar 11, 2025: H140 Broadens Airbus’ Light Twin-Engine Rotorcraft Offering - Aviation Week Network

Aug 2, 2024: Army’s planned assault rotorcraft clears hurdle, will move to engineering phase - Defense One

Mar 12, 2025: Saudi Rotorcraft Operators Entering Leasing Business - Aviation Week Network

Mar 10, 2025: SMFL acquires Macquarie Rotorcraft in helicopter leasing deal - Asset Finance Connect

Mar 11, 2025: Safran Designates Optimal Connectivity Providers - Aviation International News

Mar 6, 2025: Greek Helicopter Operator Hoper Increases Scheduled Flights for Tourists - Aviation International News

Apr 29, 2025: NASA's Nuclear-Powered 'Dragonfly' Rotorcraft Clears Critical Checkpoint - extremetech.com

Feb 17, 2025: Tata and Airbus Close To Agreeing on Indian H125 Helicopter Production Site - Aviation International News

Mar 20, 2025: Bell Approves GE Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System - Aviation International News

Mar 3, 2025: United Rotorcraft: Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Impact! - AerialFire

Jan 21, 2025: PJ Helicopters Orders GPMS Foresight MX Health and Usage Monitoring System - Aviation International News

Mar 12, 2025: Airbus Orders Climb, CityAirbus eVTOL Program Pausing - Aviation International News

Mar 10, 2025: Bell Debuts Upscale Interiors for 407 GXi - Aviation International News

Apr 9, 2025: Settlement Reached in Hansen Helicopters Case with Pacific Spotters Defendants - Aviation International News

Feb 27, 2025: Integris, QinetiQ Partner to Supply Armor for US Army’s FLRAA Rotorcraft - The Defense Post

Mar 11, 2025: Airbus Unveils H140 To Bridge Light Twin Market Gap - Aviation International News

Mar 31, 2025: Bell Scores More Sales at Avalon Australian Airshow - Aviation International News

Apr 1, 2025: Turkey Renews Wildfire Support Deal with Columbia Helicopters - Aviation International News