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Chopper

''Look up chopper in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.'' Chopper may refer to: == Transportation ==
  • Chopper (motorcycle), a type of customized motorcycle
  • Chopper (bicycle), a style of bicycle with distinctive geometry
  • Helicopter, an aircraft commonly nicknamed a "chopper"
== Tools and devices ==
  • Chopper (kitchen), a kitchen utensil for cutting food
  • Chopper (mechanical tool), various cutting or chopping devices
  • Chopper (electronics), a device used in signal processing
== Arts and entertainment == == People == == Other uses ==

Transportation

Motorcycles

A chopper is a heavily modified that emerged in during the late , defined by its extended front forks, high "ape hanger" handlebars, stretched frame, and minimalist design that strips away non-essential components for a raw, individualized aesthetic. This style originated within the post-World War II culture, where riders sought to personalize surplus military bikes like Harley-Davidsons for better performance and visual appeal. The historical development of choppers was shaped by influential customizers such as Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and , who contributed to the movement through innovative fabrication, , and experimental builds that popularized extreme modifications in the and . Evolving from the simpler bobber style of the 1940s—where fenders, lights, and excess weight were "chopped" off—the chopper aesthetic advanced with longer forks and rigid frames for a distinctive silhouette. The 1969 film dramatically boosted their popularity, showcasing custom choppers like the star-spangled "" bike ridden by , which symbolized countercultural freedom and inspired a global surge in custom builds. This exposure helped spawn variants, including refined bobbers with cleaner lines and café racers adapted for speed with clip-on handlebars and rearsets. Key mechanical features emphasize aesthetics and function, with raked-out front ends—often featuring forks extended up to 12 inches or more—creating a steeper (typically 35-45 degrees) that enhances low-speed stability by increasing but can make sharp turns more demanding. Exposed engines are a hallmark, frequently using air-cooled V-twin powerplants like the introduced in 1984, which delivers approximately 50-55 horsepower in a compact, reliable package ideal for custom framing without enclosing bodywork. Finishing touches include hand-painted murals, chrome-plated components on exhausts and triple trees, and solo seats to maintain the bike's lightweight, aggressive profile. Culturally, choppers became icons of rebellion, closely tied to outlaw motorcycle clubs such as the , whose members customized Harleys into choppers to project independence and brotherhood within the broader biker subculture. Their association with amplified this image, positioning choppers as symbols of anti-establishment ethos amid social upheavals. A modern revival occurred through , particularly (2003-2012), which followed the Teutul family's shop in building extravagant, celebrity-themed machines and sparked renewed interest in custom fabrication into the 2020s. In 2025, a new series titled OCC The Next Chapter, featuring original alumni, was announced for premiere in Spring 2026 on and MotorTrend, further sustaining interest in custom builds. Despite their allure, choppers face safety challenges from their geometry, including slower steering response and reduced low-speed maneuverability due to extended forks, which can lead to handling difficulties or instability if poorly constructed, as highlighted in federal safety analyses. Legally, while no uniform U.S. federal limit exists on fork length, Department of Transportation standards require that modifications maintain steering and suspension integrity under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). States like California enforce vehicle safety inspections and prohibit modifications impairing safe operation, such as handlebar heights exceeding 6 inches above the rider's shoulders (California Vehicle Code §27801). Similar regulations in countries like the UK (via MOT testing for suspension condition) and Australia (ADR 57 limits maximum horizontal distance from front axle to steering head axis at 550 mm) ensure choppers remain street-legal when certified.

Bicycles

Chopper bicycles are highly customized, non-motorized bicycles that mimic the aesthetics of chopper motorcycles through distinctive modifications such as extended forks, ape-hanger handlebars, and elongated banana seats, prioritizing style and visual flair over performance. These bikes emerged as a pedal-powered for , drawing stylistic inspiration from the extended geometry of chopper motorcycles popular in the . The style originated in the United States during the 1960s with the introduction of the Schwinn Sting-Ray in 1963, which featured a low-slung banana seat, high-rise "" handlebars, and a single-speed setup on 20-inch wheels, appealing to children emulating and trends. This "muscle bike" design gained traction through mass-market production and DIY customizations, reaching peak popularity in the as symbols of suburban youth expression. In the UK, the , launched in 1969 and designed by Alan Oakley, sold over 1.5 million units by incorporating similar features like swept-back forks and a long "polo" seat, becoming a cultural staple until production ended in 1984 amid the rise of bikes. A revival occurred in the and , fueled by nostalgia-driven custom shops and events, with Raleigh reissuing models in 1995, 2004, and 2023. Lowrider variants, originating in 1960s-1970s communities, further evolved the style through community-built customs inspired by lowrider cars. Key components emphasize comfort and posture for casual riding, including spring-loaded saddles that provide a bouncy "muscle bike" sensation, high-rise ape-hanger handlebars promoting an upright riding position, and extended forks that create a stretched silhouette. Wheel sizes vary by base model, typically 20-inch for BMX-style choppers like the Sting-Ray for maneuverability in urban settings, or 26-inch for cruiser variants offering stability on longer rides. These elements, often paired with wide tires and chrome accents, distinguish chopper bikes from standard BMX models, which prioritize pegs and lightweight frames for tricks rather than cosmetic elongation. In 1970s , chopper bicycles represented suburban and individuality, allowing children to customize rides as expressions of freedom amid affluence and pop influences like custom cars. Modern adaptations in scenes incorporate LED lights for nighttime visibility and hydraulic suspensions to mimic car hydraulics, transforming bikes into showpieces at community events. Manufacturing ranged from by like Schwinn and Raleigh, which standardized components for affordability, to DIY modifications using scrap parts such as welded extensions and salvaged seats, popular among enthusiasts lacking access to commercial kits. Custom shops, such as those emerging in the lowrider revival like , Inc., offered specialized frames and accessories, bridging factory models with personalized builds.

Helicopters

In , the term "chopper" refers to a , originating from 1950s U.S. military usage during the , where it described the rhythmic chopping sound produced by the rotor blades slicing through the air. This onomatopoeic nickname first appeared in informal reports and communications among pilots and ground crews, reflecting the distinctive auditory signature of early rotary-wing aircraft in combat environments. Technically, a chopper denotes a rotary-wing aircraft that generates and through one or more horizontal main rotors, allowing for vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering capabilities without the need for runways. The , commonly known as the , exemplifies this archetype, serving as a versatile in military roles. Unlike , which rely on forward motion over stationary wings for , choppers employ rotor mechanics controlled by cyclic and pitch mechanisms to maneuver and maintain altitude. These controls adjust blade angles individually (cyclic for directional control) or uniformly ( for overall ), enabling operations in confined spaces. The slang gained prominence during the , where over 7,000 helicopters were deployed for troop transport, , and , solidifying the chopper's image as a workhorse of . Post-war, civilian applications expanded the term's use, including rescue missions and aerial news reporting; by the 1980s, traffic "choppers" became commonplace in urban areas for real-time congestion updates from broadcasters overhead. In contemporary settings, "chopper" remains a staple in military contexts, such as with the , an advanced attack helicopter equipped for and anti-armor roles. Emergency services widely adopt the slang for air ambulances, which trace their civilian roots to the and now facilitate rapid patient transport in trauma scenarios. The term's endurance is further reinforced by its frequent appearance in films and media, evoking the dynamic, high-stakes nature of rotary-wing aviation.

Tools and devices

Kitchen utensils

Kitchen choppers are handheld or powered devices designed for , , or slicing food ingredients, ranging from simple manual cleavers like the Chinese cai dao—a rectangular blade used for chopping and —to electric s that automate the process for larger batches. The historical roots of kitchen choppers trace back to ancient tools such as stone axes and bronze cleavers from the in (around 200 BCE), which evolved into versatile cutting implements for daily preparation. In the , mechanical innovations emerged, including hand-operated vegetable slicers like those produced in between 1876 and 1900, which used stationary blades to force ingredients through for uniform cuts. The mid-20th century brought widespread adoption of electric models, exemplified by the 1963 , a non-electric manual slicer invented by Samuel J. Popeil that popularized quick vegetable chopping via infomercials, and the 1973 , introduced by Carl Sontheimer as the first domestic electric version in , based on the Robot-Coupe design. Common types include the manual , a curved half-moon blade with handles on each end that allows a rocking motion to finely chop herbs and without scattering, originating in kitchens for efficient . Powered variants, such as electric food processors, employ S-shaped that rotate at speeds of 1,500 to 3,500 RPM to create emulsions, purees, or fine chops by pulverizing ingredients against the bowl walls. Proper usage emphasizes safety, such as employing built-in finger guards on manual choppers to prevent cuts and maintaining a firm grip while keeping hands clear of blades during operation, as recommended by guidelines. In culinary applications, choppers facilitate techniques like preparing —a finely diced mixture of onions, carrots, and that forms the aromatic base for French stocks, soups, and sauces, ensuring even cooking through uniform cuts. Recent innovations since 2020 include choppers with AI-controlled blades for precise chopping and built-in scales for portion , as seen in devices like the Upliance, which automates tasks to reduce user effort while maintaining consistency. Sustainability features are also prominent, with many modern models incorporating BPA-free plastics in bowls and components to minimize health risks from chemical leaching during food contact.

Mechanical tools

Mechanical choppers encompass a range of powered and manual tools engineered for severing wood, metal, or composite materials in and settings, relying on rather than electrical processing. These devices, such as axes, , and hydraulic splitters, facilitate material reduction through cutting, splitting, or chipping actions, distinguishing them from smaller-scale domestic implements like cleavers. The evolution of mechanical choppers traces back to ancient hand tools, with iron-bladed felling axes emerging in medieval Europe to enable large-scale forest clearance for and . By the , steam-powered innovations transformed operations, introducing mechanized sawmills and winches that accelerated log processing beyond manual capabilities. The 20th century marked a pivotal shift with the invention of gasoline-powered chainsaws, including the 1927 Type A, the world's first petrol-driven model, which boosted timber production efficiency in . Prominent types include hydraulic log splitters, which exert forces up to 20-30 tons to fracture logs along the grain, miter saws equipped with carbide-tipped blades for accurate crosscuts in , and portable chippers that pulverize branches and yard waste into mulch. These tools operate on principles of , where leverage amplifies user input—such as the long handle of an axe distributing force over a broader arc—and blade geometry optimizes penetration, with splitting wedges typically featuring convex profiles at 25-30 degrees to minimize resistance and promote wood separation. Safety protocols, mandated by OSHA standards established in 1970, require guards on blades and enclosures to prevent contact with , reducing risks in high-force operations. In industrial contexts, choppers support through feller bunchers, self-propelled that and bundle trees at productivities reaching 70-80 tons per productive machine hour, equivalent to dozens of trees depending on size. In , cutters—manual or hydraulic —precisely trim reinforcing bars up to 5/8-inch diameter, ensuring structural integrity in pours. These applications highlight choppers' role in efficient , serving as robust analogs to lighter kitchen utensils for non-edible .

Electronic components

In electronics, a chopper is a static power electronic device that functions as a DC-DC converter, employing high-speed switches such as transistors or thyristors to interrupt the flow of from a fixed input , thereby producing a variable pulsating DC output voltage. This switching action allows for precise control of the output by varying the , the ratio of the on-time to the total switching period, enabling efficient conversion without the need for bulky transformers used in linear supplies. Chopper circuits emerged in the late as part of the broader development of , initially for regulated power supplies in industrial and military applications, with significant advancements in the driven by the need for compact, reliable converters in and systems. Their adoption accelerated with the invention of silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) and forced commutation techniques, which enabled high-frequency operation and improved efficiency over earlier mercury-arc converters. Common chopper configurations include the step-down (buck) chopper, which reduces the input voltage to a lower output level, and the step-up (boost) chopper, which increases it. In a buck chopper, the average output voltage is given by V_{out} = D \cdot V_{in}, where D is the duty cycle (0 < D < 1) and V_{in} is the input voltage; this is achieved by connecting the load across an and filter during the switch-off period. The boost chopper operates by storing energy in an during the switch-on , then releasing it to the output through a when the switch turns off, allowing the output voltage to exceed the input. A key performance metric for both types is the , calculated as \Delta I = \frac{V_{in} \cdot D \cdot T}{L}, where T is the switching period and L is the , which influences the selection of components to minimize losses and ensure stable operation. Choppers are integral to switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) in computers and , where they achieve efficiencies exceeding 90% by minimizing energy dissipation as heat, compared to 50-60% for linear regulators. In , such as photovoltaic () inverters developed post-2010, choppers step up low-voltage from PV panels to match grid levels, enabling and grid integration with minimal harmonic distortion.

Arts and entertainment

Films and television

The 2000 Australian drama film Chopper, directed by in his feature directorial debut, stars in the lead role as , a notorious real-life criminal and author. The film draws from Read's autobiographical , records, court transcripts, and interviews to portray his life of , , and fascination with , blending dark humor with intense depictions of his personality and exploits. It received a 76% approval rating on from 80 critic reviews, earning certified fresh status, though it has achieved for its raw exploration of criminal psyche and Bana's transformative . Bana won the Best Actor award at the 2000 Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards for his portrayal, which garnered the film ten nominations overall and marked a pivotal role in launching his international career. Another notable entry is the 1971 British television episode titled "The Chopper," part of the sci-fi anthology series Out of the Unknown. Directed by Peter Cregeen and written by Nigel Kneale, the 50-minute horror installment centers on the vengeful spirit of a deceased motorcyclist who haunts his wrecked bike, manifesting as eerie engine noises to terrorize a female journalist investigating the accident. Starring Ann Morrish, Patrick Troughton, George Sweeney, and Margaret Brady, it exemplifies early 1970s British supernatural television, blending psychological tension with supernatural elements tied to motorcycle culture. In television, stands as a landmark reality series on the , premiering in 2003 and running through 2012, with a revival season in 2018–2019 and a new series OCC: The Next Chapter in 2025. The show chronicles the Teutul family—father Paul Sr., son Paul Jr., and their team at in —as they design and build under tight deadlines, often highlighting intergenerational conflicts, innovative fabrication techniques, and high-stakes client projects like themed bikes for corporations or celebrities. Episodes typically focus on the creative process, from concept sketches to final assemblies, showcasing the shop's signature "chopper" style with extended forks and bold aesthetics. At its peak, the series averaged 3.4 million U.S. viewers per episode, with specials drawing up to 4.8 million, significantly influencing popular perceptions of custom motorcycle culture and inspiring a wave of similar reality TV formats in automotive entertainment.

Comics and literature

In comics, "Chopper" primarily refers to the character Marlon Shakespeare, a rebellious graffiti artist and skysurfer in the dystopian universe of Judge Dredd, debuting in the British anthology 2000 AD. Created by writer John Wagner and artist Brett Ewins, Chopper first appeared in the Judge Dredd story "Unamerican Graffiti" (progs 206–207, 1981), where he leads a gang of teen vandals using anti-gravity skyboards to tag buildings in Mega-City One, embodying themes of youthful defiance against authoritarian control. His punk aesthetic, including a distinctive mohawk and leather jacket, positions him as an anti-hero in a sci-fi setting rife with machinery and surveillance, highlighting rebellion through subversive art and high-speed aerial maneuvers. Chopper's publication history expanded beyond his cameo, featuring in standalone series within 2000 AD such as "Chopper: Song of the Surfer" (progs 673–677, 1989, by Wagner and Paul Marshall), where he evolves from graffiti tagger to infamous criminal skysurfer evading judges. He frequently crosses over with Judge Dredd, including in "Youth in Asia" (progs 1267–1273, 2002, by Robbie Morrison and ), integrating into larger narratives of and resistance. These stories explore sci-fi motifs of human augmentation via skyboards—essentially mechanical flight devices—and the clash between individual anarchy and mechanized , influencing 2000 AD's punk-infused . In literature, "Chopper" is the nickname of Mark Brandon Read, an Australian criminal whose 1991 autobiography Chopper: From the Inside chronicles his life of violence, prison stints, and underworld dealings. Published by Sly Ink, the book details Read's transformation from a troubled youth into a self-proclaimed "standover man" and executioner, blending confessional prose with raw accounts of Melbourne's criminal scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Read authored several semi-autobiographical works, including sequels like Chopper 2: Hits and Memories (1992), which maintain a gritty, unfiltered tone emphasizing themes of survival and retribution without romanticizing crime. One such work, Chopper: From the Inside, was loosely adapted into the 2000 film Chopper, directed by .

Music

In the realm of , "Chopper" is a track by the Dutch band from their album , released on Track Records in and in the United States. The song embodies influences with driving rhythms and guitar riffs, drawing on biker culture themes through lyrics that depict the thrill and rebellion of riding a customized , or "chopper," across open roads. achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 12 on the chart and featuring the band's breakthrough single "." Hip-hop has also embraced "chopper" terminology, particularly in Southern rap, where it refers to both firearms and fast-paced styles originating from New Orleans. , founder of , contributed to this scene with his 1997 track "Chopper City" from the album , which portrays urban street life, hustling, and survival in the "chopper city" of New Orleans through vivid narratives of gang culture and resilience. The term gained wider prominence through B.G.'s 1999 album Chopper City in the Ghetto on , an affiliate of No Limit's network, which debuted at No. 9 on the with over 140,000 copies sold in its first week and eventually certified platinum for its raw depictions of ghetto struggles and Southern bounce beats. These works highlight hip-hop's chopper subgenre, characterized by rapid delivery and themes of street warfare. In the 2000s hip-hop landscape, rapper Choppa (born Darwin Turner), associated with No Limit and Take Fo' Records, released mixtapes and the album Choppa Style (2003), blending with party anthems that referenced urban and chopper-style flows, influencing New Orleans rap's energetic delivery. Tracks like these have occasionally appeared in film soundtracks, such as biker-themed movies, underscoring their cultural resonance in visual media.

People

Criminal figures

Mark Brandon Read, known as "Chopper," was an Australian criminal born on November 17, 1954, in Melbourne, who became notorious for his violent exploits in the underworld during the 1970s and 1980s. The nickname "Chopper" originated from a bulldog character in the 1960s cartoon show Yakky Doodle. He led armed robberies across Melbourne that resulted in his 1975 conviction on two counts of armed robbery. Read spent over 23 years in prison throughout his life, much of it in Victoria's Pentridge Prison, where he formed the "Overcoat Gang" in the mid-1970s—a group of inmates armed with homemade sawn-off shotguns concealed in overcoats to intimidate and assault other prisoners. In the late 1970s, while in Pentridge's H Division, Read had a fellow inmate cut off both his ears with a razor to secure a temporary transfer out of the division and avoid an ambush by rivals, an act that solidified his fearsome reputation within the prison system. Read's criminal activities extended to alleged involvement in underworld hits, though many claims remain unverified; he boasted of killing 19 people but was never convicted of , with often dismissing his stories as exaggeration. Key legal milestones include his 1978 sentencing to 14 years for malicious wounding and attempting to kidnap a , as well as a 1989 for arson and reckless conduct leading to at least two years imprisonment. In 1992, Read shot his associate Sidney Collins in the chest, leading to a for and an 8-year , with further incarceration until his final in February 1998. During his prison stints, Read began writing, authoring eleven books starting with Chopper: From the Inside in 1991, which sold over 500,000 copies in total and detailed his alleged crimes, including tortures and killings. After , Read transitioned into a figure, providing colorful interviews and one-liners to journalists while pursuing a career in , including stage shows and a brief role. His life inspired the 2000 film Chopper, in which portrayed him, with Read donating some proceeds to charity. Diagnosed with terminal in 2012, he died on October 9, 2013, at age 58 in . Publicly, Read was perceived as both a terrifying standover man—known for using a on victims—and a charismatic storyteller who mocked other gangsters, earning him enemies but also a . In the years following his death, his legacy endured through tributes like The Age's 2021 Naked City podcast series, which featured unreleased audio of Read and examined his violent tales and unverified confessions, reflecting ongoing fascination in the .

Sports and media personalities

In sports, the nickname "Chopper" has been associated with several athletes known for their tenacious and hard-hitting styles. Ron Harris, affectionately called "Chopper," was a legendary defender for Club in English soccer during the 1960s and 1970s, playing over 300 matches and captaining the team to the 1970 victory. His reputation for aggressive tackles earned him the moniker, symbolizing his role as a no-nonsense protector of the backline, and he later reflected on his career as embodying the gritty spirit of that era's football. In , Andy Lovell, nicknamed "Chopper" due to his teenage wood-chopping competitions, had a notable career spanning the late 1980s to late 1990s, playing 121 games for (debut 1988) and 43 for . Lovell's highlights included his contributions to Melbourne's competitive teams, where his heritage and versatile play as a forward made him a fan favorite; he later transitioned into coaching roles, including as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Suns. Similarly, in wrestling, Martin "Chopper" Conroy was a prominent figure in the 1960s and 1970s, renowned for his robust bouts in Joint Promotions events, often facing off against stars like Mick McManus in high-energy matches that drew crowds to halls across . Media personalities bearing the nickname have also left their mark, particularly in motorsports broadcasting. Jim "Chopper" Phillips served as a radio announcer for the (MRN) from 1988 to 2005, providing commentary for events with his distinctive baritone voice and deep knowledge gained from pit crew experience. His coverage highlighted drivers like L.D. Ottinger, whom he knew personally, and he became a respected voice in southern racing circles despite a career setback from a 1990 crash. In , "chopper" refers to a fast-paced style originating in the 1990s Midwestern , with artists like GAWNE releasing the track "Chopper" in 2024 that broke records for speed and length. Recent esports developments include Leonid "chopper" Vishnyakov, a Counter-Strike 2 professional for , who in 2024-2025 competed in major tournaments including the , where his rifler skills contributed to team successes amid high-profile rivalries. Unlike the infamous criminal Mark Read, also known as "Chopper," these individuals are celebrated for their competitive achievements and entertainment value.

Other uses

Slang and colloquialisms

In and , "choppers" serves as slang for teeth, often referring to a prominent or artificial set, with the term evoking the chopping motion of biting or masticating. This usage dates back to at least the mid-20th century and remains in casual speech across these regions, distinguishing it from variants where it less frequently denotes teeth. The etymological root lies in the verb "chop," implying cutting or severing, which extended metaphorically to the incisive function of teeth. In American urban slang, particularly within hip-hop culture, "chopper" denotes an automatic firearm, such as a machine gun or assault rifle, a meaning that originated in the 1920s gangster era with reference to the Thompson sub-machine gun's rapid firing action. By the 1990s, this term proliferated in hip-hop lyrics and street vernacular, often evoking violence or bravado, as in phrases like "spray the chopper" to describe firing a weapon; a 2017 linguistic analysis of over 50,000 rap songs identified "chopper" as the most quintessentially hip-hop word due to its frequent, context-specific deployment. Regional differences highlight this American emphasis on weaponry, contrasting with the British/Australian focus on dental imagery, though both draw from the core idea of chopping or interrupting. An affectionate for helicopters in casual English, especially American, "chopper" arose during the in the 1950s from the onomatopoeic "chop-chop" sound of rotor blades slicing air, evolving into widespread informal use by the . This aviation briefly references the broader mechanical connotations but remains distinct in everyday speech. Over time, since the early 2000s, "chopper" has appeared in memes and online communities to humorously reference customized motorcycles in outlaw culture, building on its roots.

Military and technical terms

In military contexts, "chopper" serves as a common shorthand for helicopter, particularly in operational settings where brevity is essential. This terminology emerged prominently during the Vietnam War, where "dust-off choppers" referred to UH-1 Huey helicopters used for medical evacuations, often kicking up dust during rapid takeoffs and landings in rugged terrain. The term's adoption in military jargon derives from the early 20th-century association of rotary-wing aircraft with chopping motions, evolving into standard usage across armed forces for any rotorcraft in tactical roles. Historically, the development of choppers traces back to prototypes that laid the groundwork for modern helicopters. The , introduced in 1942, was the first production helicopter for the U.S. Army Air Forces, featuring a single main rotor and used for liaison and rescue missions with a rotor speed of approximately 215 RPM. German efforts included the , an experimental tested in 1939 for , achieving short flights despite stability challenges. A notable event highlighting chopper vulnerabilities occurred during the 1993 , where Somali militias used RPG-7s to down two U.S. MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, stranding crews in hostile urban terrain and resulting in 18 American fatalities. In the , the term extends to post-2000s variants, including rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed in conflicts like the , where small, rotor-equipped FPV drones with speeds up to 100 km/h conduct and strikes against larger assets such as Mi-8 helicopters. These micro-drones provide low-cost alternatives to manned choppers, with reporting the downing of a $10 million Mi-8 using a $500 FPV unit in September 2025. Advancements include AI-integrated systems, such as DARPA's ALIAS program, which in 2024-2025 integrated kits into UH-60M Hawks for optional unmanned operation, enabling remote piloting from up to 300 miles away via tablet interfaces to reduce pilot workload in contested environments. In engineering, a chopper amplifier is an operational amplifier designed to minimize offset voltage and 1/f noise through periodic modulation of the input signal at a high frequency, typically achieving input-referred noise as low as 0.28 μVrms over 0-96 kHz bandwidth. The basic gain is defined as A_v = \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}}, where low-frequency noise is up-converted to higher harmonics for easier filtering, making it ideal for precision applications like biomedical sensors. Similarly, signal choppers in telemetry systems employ modulation techniques to transmit low-level sensor data over noisy channels, as seen in chopper mixer circuits for implantable medical devices that reduce interference in wireless receivers.

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