Without diving into a lesson on helicopter aerodynamics (eeek!!!!), let's just say that there are a number of factors that limit the speed of any helicopter and various ingenious inventions have appeared to try and overcome them.
With the technological advances we have seen over the last 25 years, it's fair to say that the average, modern-day helicopter will probably cruise somewhere between 120 knots (222kph / 138mph) and 140 knots (260kph / 161mph).
However, the fastest helicopter remains the Westland Lynx . . . which set the helicopter speed record on 11th Aug 1986 (yeah - 21 years ago!!) It flew at a speed of 216 knots (400.87kph / 249.1mph) in level flight - something that has still not been beaten.
Here's my Lynx flying video - enjoy!
Blue Eagle Westland Lynx @ Red Bull Air Race, London, Jul 07 - YouTube
Source(s):
I'm a Lynx Pilot!