Energy Aspects of Helicopters in Comparison with Other Air and Ground Vehicles

Abstract

Although the total energy consumption of helicopters is small in comparison with that of other modes of transportation, energy aspects have been, and will be extremely important for the development and expansion of rotary-wing aircraft applications. Energy expenditure per passenger-mile of presently operational helicopters is compared with that of other vehicles -- first, on a statistical basis and then, through a more detailed study of a very short-haul (intraurban) and short-haul (interurban -- up to 200 n. mi) operations. Possible ways of improving the energy standing of helicopters are considered in the presence of economic constraints. The presentation of a cursory procedure for minimization of the overall penalties associated with the achievement of the desired energy consumption gain concludes this study.