How far can a helicopter fly on one tank of gas?

Helicopters don't use gas, they primarily run on jet fuel, which is a type of kerosene-based fuel formulated specifically for aircraft engines. The distance a helicopter can fly on a single tank of fuel depends on several factors, including the helicopter's size, fuel tank capacity, fuel consumption rate, and mission profile.

To give a general idea, here are the approximate ranges of helicopters based on their sizes:

1. Small Helicopters: Small helicopters, typically used for private flying or training purposes, may have a range of around 150 to 300 nautical miles (NM) on a single tank of fuel.

2. Medium Helicopters: Medium helicopters, often employed for corporate transport, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, can have a range of around 350 to 600 NM.

3. Heavy Helicopters: Heavy-lift helicopters, designed for transporting large payloads and performing specialized missions, may have a range of up to 1000 NM or more.

It's worth noting that these are approximate figures, and actual ranges can vary significantly depending on specific helicopter models, fuel efficiency, weather conditions, and altitude flown. Additionally, some helicopters are equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks or can carry external fuel tanks, further increasing their range.