Why aren’t there airplane sized helicopters? Helicopters seem better in terms of no long runway needed, and the ease of moving in any direction.

Question

Why aren’t there airplane sized helicopters? Helicopters seem better in terms of no long runway needed, and the ease of moving in any direction.

In: Engineering

Answer 1

FWIW, A CH-53K is almost as long as a 737.

Compared to a fixed-wing aircraft, the rotary wing is slower, less fuel efficient, louder, and has a shorter range. So, the farther you need to go, the less attractive the helicopter becomes. The helicopter is really relying on brute force to stay airborne.