Helicopters in films are often more than just a means of transportation—they’re symbols of power, wealth, and action. Whether they’re used in military operations, high-stakes rescues, or intense chase scenes, helicopters have become iconic in many blockbuster movies. Some of the helicopters featured in films are not only visually stunning but also incredibly expensive. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most expensive helicopters used in film productions, highlighting their role on-screen and the costs involved in making these aerial scenes come to life.
1. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk – Black Hawk Down (2001)
One of the most famous military helicopters in film history is the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, featured in the critically acclaimed film Black Hawk Down. The movie, based on real events during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, used real Black Hawk helicopters to depict the intense military operations.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Black Hawk is a highly advanced military helicopter, with a price tag ranging from $10 million to $21 million depending on its configuration.
- For the film, the production team used real helicopters borrowed from the U.S. military, which involved high logistical costs to transport, maintain, and film these complex machines.
2. Sikorsky S-92 – Skyfall (2012)
In the James Bond film Skyfall, the villain Silva uses a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to launch a devastating attack on Bond’s childhood estate, Skyfall. The helicopter’s sleek design and powerful presence made it the perfect choice for this high-stakes action sequence.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Sikorsky S-92 is a high-end, multi-role helicopter, commonly used for VIP transport and offshore oil rig operations. Its price can range between $17 million and $30 million.
- Filming the action-packed scenes required both practical effects and CGI, adding to the overall cost of featuring such an expensive helicopter in the film.
3. Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin – The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight featured the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin during one of the film’s thrilling action scenes, where a police helicopter is caught in the chaos of the Joker’s plans. The Dauphin is known for its speed and versatility, making it a popular choice for both law enforcement and corporate transport.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is a luxury helicopter with a price tag ranging from $10 million to $13 million.
- The costs of using such a helicopter in the film also included specialized pilots, insurance, and logistical support for filming aerial scenes in busy urban areas like Gotham City.
4. Bell 206 JetRanger – Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout famously featured an intense helicopter chase sequence in the mountains, where Cruise piloted the Bell 206 JetRanger. The sequence became one of the most iconic helicopter scenes in modern film, with Cruise performing many of the stunts himself.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Bell 206 JetRanger, though smaller than military helicopters, is a high-performance aircraft valued at around $700,000 to $1.2 million.
- The filming of this chase scene required extensive safety precautions, including aerial cinematography, multiple camera setups, and Cruise’s own training to fly the helicopter, significantly increasing the production costs.
5. Sikorsky S-76 – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
In The Wolf of Wall Street, the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is featured in a memorable scene where Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, recklessly pilots the helicopter while under the influence. The helicopter’s sleek, luxurious design underscores the excess and extravagance that defines Belfort’s lifestyle.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Sikorsky S-76 is a luxury helicopter often used by VIPs and executives, with a price ranging from $13 million to $15 million.
- The helicopter’s use in the film required specialized pilots, insurance, and safety measures, adding to the film’s overall production costs.
6. Boeing AH-64 Apache – Transformers (2007)
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is one of the most advanced military helicopters in the world, and it made a prominent appearance in Michael Bay’s Transformers. In the film, the Apache was used in battle scenes between the military and the Decepticons, showcasing its firepower and advanced capabilities.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Apache is an advanced attack helicopter with a price tag of around $35 million.
- While real Apaches were used for certain scenes, many of the battle sequences were enhanced with CGI to create dramatic effects, increasing the cost of production significantly.
7. AgustaWestland AW139 – Spectre (2015)
In the James Bond film Spectre, an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter is featured in the film’s thrilling opening sequence set during the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. The AW139’s sleek design and powerful performance made it the ideal choice for a high-stakes aerial fight.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The AgustaWestland AW139 is a twin-engine helicopter commonly used for VIP transport, search and rescue, and offshore operations, with a price tag ranging from $9 million to $12 million.
- Filming the complex aerial stunts in the heart of a busy city required careful planning, coordination with aviation authorities, and extensive CGI enhancements, driving up production costs.
8. Eurocopter EC135 – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
In Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the Eurocopter EC135 is used to transport Lara Croft, played by Angelina Jolie, to a remote location. The helicopter’s sleek design and futuristic appearance matched the adventurous, high-tech feel of the film.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Eurocopter EC135 is a multi-purpose helicopter used for executive transport, valued between $4 million and $5 million.
- The film’s use of the helicopter in exotic locations required extensive logistical planning, specialized pilots, and aerial filming, adding to the overall cost.
9. Agusta A109 – Die Hard (1988)
The classic action film Die Hard features a memorable scene with an Agusta A109 helicopter, which is used by the FBI during the final battle at Nakatomi Plaza. The helicopter adds to the tension and action, as Bruce Willis’s character is forced to escape the chaos.
Why It’s Expensive:
- The Agusta A109 is a high-performance helicopter valued at around $6 million to $8 million.
- Filming this scene required extensive coordination with aviation authorities, as well as practical effects and stunts involving helicopters flying close to buildings, driving up costs.
Conclusion
Helicopters in films often serve as symbols of power, luxury, and danger, but they also come with significant costs. From military-grade helicopters like the Black Hawk and Apache to luxury helicopters like the Sikorsky S-76, these machines add an extra layer of realism and excitement to blockbuster productions. While CGI has made it easier to simulate helicopter scenes, nothing quite matches the authenticity of using real helicopters on set—an investment that filmmakers are often willing to make to deliver unforgettable cinematic moments.
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