Helicopter V Speeds

Question 1

Vy

Answer 1

Airspeed for fastest climb

Where the helicopter experince lowest total drag

Usually close to Vbe - best endurance

Greatest altitude gain per a given time

Great to use when confinement is not a factor

Question 2

Vx

Answer 2

Airspeed with best climb angle

(typically 0, giving a 90deg vertical climb)

Greatest altitude gain per a given distance

Best to get out of a confine area (woods)

Question 3

Vnei

Answer 3

Maximum allowed airspeed when flying IFR

Question 4

Vnea

Answer 4

Airspeed to never exceed in an autorotation

Question 5

Vne

Answer 5

Airspeed to never exceed

Question 6

Vmini

Answer 6

Minimum airspeed when flying IFR

Question 7

Vh

Answer 7

Airspeed of MCP
(maximum continuous power)

Maxmimum speed, when you have all power implied, where the helicopter can fly straight and level

Question 8

Vc

Answer 8

Cruise airspeed

Convinient overall speed - fuel efficiency, transit time, maintenance

Question 9

Vbe

Answer 9

Airspeed of best endurance

Where the helicopter can maintain altitude the longest

At the point of least fuel flow on the cruise chart

Greatest time per unit fuel (Vbr is distance)

Question 10

Vbr

Answer 10

Airspeed for best range

Helicopter can fly the longest distance given limited gas

Greatest distance per unit fuel (Vbe is time)