As an aviation expert with extensive knowledge in aerodynamics and aircraft design, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the speed comparison between helicopters and airplanes.

Helicopters and airplanes are two distinct types of flying machines, each designed to fulfill different roles in the aviation industry. To begin with, the fundamental principle behind the flight of a helicopter is quite different from that of an airplane. A helicopter utilizes a set of large rotor blades that rotate around a vertical axis to generate lift, allowing it to hover, take off, and land vertically. This capability for vertical flight is what sets helicopters apart from airplanes.

On the other hand, airplanes rely on fixed wings to generate lift. The shape and angle of the wings, combined with the forward motion of the aircraft, create the necessary lift to keep the airplane aloft. Airplanes are designed for forward flight and typically achieve much higher speeds than helicopters.

Now, addressing the question of speed, it is generally true that airplanes are faster than helicopters. This is due to several factors:


1. Aerodynamic Efficiency: Airplanes are designed with streamlined shapes that reduce air resistance, allowing them to cut through the air with minimal drag. This streamlined design contributes significantly to their higher speeds.


2. Propulsion Systems: Airplanes are equipped with jet engines or propellers that are optimized for high-speed flight. These engines generate thrust in the direction of flight, which propels the airplane forward at high velocities.


3. Structural Design: The structural design of airplanes is geared towards withstanding the stresses of high-speed flight. This includes the materials used, the construction techniques, and the overall layout of the aircraft.


4. Operational Requirements: Airplanes are often required to cover long distances in a relatively short amount of time. This necessity has driven the development of high-speed aircraft that can efficiently transport people and goods over vast distances.

In contrast, helicopters are not designed for speed. Their primary function is to provide versatility in terms of vertical take-off and landing, hovering, and slow flight, which are essential for tasks such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, and military operations.

The speed of a helicopter is typically measured in terms of its cruise speed, which is the speed at which it can fly economically and efficiently over a long distance. This is significantly lower than the cruise speed of an airplane. Additionally, the stall speed of a helicopter, which is the minimum speed at which it can maintain steady flight without losing altitude, is also much lower than that of an airplane. The reference to a stall speed of under 5 mph mentioned in the provided content is likely a misinterpretation or an extreme case, as typical stall speeds for helicopters are higher and can range from around 20 to 40 mph depending on the model and configuration.

In summary, while there are exceptions and variations among different models and types of aircraft, it is safe to say that, on average, airplanes fly faster than helicopters. The design, propulsion, and operational requirements of airplanes are all tailored towards achieving high speeds, whereas helicopters prioritize versatility and maneuverability over speed.

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Any helicopter will fly slower than every airplane. It is, after all, what helicopters are designed for. In that case the speed difference is equivalent to the stall speed of the aircraft with the lowest stall speed. ... The stall speed was probably under 5 mph so the difference in minimum speeds isn't that much.Apr 19, 2016read more >>