CopterSpotter

How to spot a copter
You can identify most DC area helicopters by looking at 3 features:
1. Number of blades - "how do see I that while it's moving," you ask? Take a photo!
2. What type of landing gear, skids or wheels? If wheels, how many are in the front relative to the back? Some helicopters have retractable landing gear as noted below
3. Lastly you can look at the shape of the tail, whether it strictly sweeps up, has a downward fin, or the tail rotor is enclosed in a fin.
UH1N
2 Propellers, Skis, distinctive gold stripe and Air Force Logo below
Used by Air Force 1st Helicopter Squadron
B206/B06
2 propellers, skis, a drop tail fin & frequently a two tone blue body
Used by Park Police, NBC News
V22 Osprey
2 rotors that pivot from upward to forward, wheels in a 1-2 configuration
R66
2 propellers, skis, a small body and long tail
AS350/AS50
3 blades, skis and a bi-color white and blue body

Used by DC Metropolitan Police
VH92A
4 blades, 3 wheels in a 1-2 configuration and a long forest green body with "white top"
H60
4 blades, 3 wheels in a 2-1 configuration and drab army green livery
MH65/AS65
4 blades, 3 retractable wheels in a 1-2 configuration and distinctive orange livery
S76
4 blades, 3 retractable wheels and a shiny black or grey/navy livery
Used by Department of Homeland Security/Border Patrol
B412
4 blades, skis and a two tone blue livery

Used by Park Police
B429
4 blades, skis and a tail fin that extends above and below the tail boom
Used by Fairfax County Police
EC35
4 blades, skis and a distinctive tail rotor enclosed in a fin
Used by numerous medevac operators
EC45
4 blades
SH3/VH3D
5 blades, 3 wheels in a 1-2 configuration and a chubby forest green body with "white top"
A139
5 blades, 3 wheels in a 1-2 configuration and a black livery with Maryland flag
MD52/MD520
5 blades, skis and no tail rotor!
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