Quote:
Originally Posted by masraum
OK, so unlike a jet plane, altitude isn't necessary or beneficial, I guess. I can imagine that 500ft would be cool.
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I could spend a day writing about this:
The Seahawk is powered by two jet engines, the GE-T700-401Cs. They each put out, depending, 1600SHP.
They were designed to operate as efficiently as possible at low altitudes (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric_T700) since most military helicopters are not outfitted with oxygen for the pilots to fly above 10,000 ft msl.
After that it gets really complicated. Unlike most fixed wing jets, the 700's in the 60 series helicopters are turning mechanical linkages in order to rotate the main and tail rotors, which provide lift and directional authority. A high altitudes, the density of the air is less, impacting the ability of the main and tail rotors to do their job.
Here are two links that go into helicopter performance:
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/helicopter_flying_handbook/media/hfh_ch07.pdf
Helicopter Lesson Guides, Darren Smith, Helicopter Instructor
Density altitude is the key!