What is a bigger gas hog, a helicopter or a plane (prop)?

Question

I'm looking at comparably sized machines, of course (eg: 2 seater plane, 2 seater chopper).

Answer 1

Helicopter, by far. Not aerodynamic.

Answer 2

The helicopter, as it uses more power for lift, whereas an airplane uses it's fixed wings for lift, and only uses power to push air for propulsion, not propulsion AND lift like a whirlybird. Also, most helicopters now use turbine engines, not piston, but even with a piston motor, the same answer applies - more power for lift and movement, whereas the airplane only requires power for movement, not lift, so it could use less power to accomplish the same thing.

- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 3

The helicopter, since it has the aerodynamic properties of a brick ;^)

Answer 4

Helicopter

Answer 5

the chopper.

Answer 6

I would say a helicopter, as most are a gas trubine motor, as opposed to a piston type engine that the planes are.

Answer 7

Helicopters are as they are not aerodynamic

Answer 8

Fuel burn is the same regargless of fixed wing or rotorcraft. If you have a rotorcraft, lets say a R-22 powered by a lycoming o-320. That o-320 puts out about 160 hp. Cessna 172 fixed wings are commonly powered by the same engine. The o-320 rated at 160 hp burns around 8 gph at cruise.  

The C172 will true out at about 110kts while the R22 will settle at about 85. So price of operating per nautical mile based on fuel alone... The rotorcraft costs more.