The best combat helicopters in the world. Which helicopter is better? place - Black Hawk

Attack (assault) helicopters have been a deadly and very effective weapon of many armies of the world for almost half a century. Their main task is to search for and destroy complex and small targets on land. At the same time, modern attack helicopters can hit sea and even air targets.

Since their inception, these machines have been used in almost all conflicts and have shown their value, sometimes acting as the only means of fire support for ground forces. The most effective attack helicopters are able to deal with armored vehicles, which is their main task. Onliner.by has compiled a rating of the six deadliest modern helicopters.

6. Bell AH-1 "Cobra" (USA)

The first specialized attack helicopter in the world and one of the most fought. For the first time, combat "turntables" were massively used by the Americans during the war in Korea. The helicopter, which has always had many opponents, showed itself from the best side.

After the Korean War, the armies of the world began to actively equip themselves with helicopters. Nevertheless, they performed primarily a transport function, transporting goods and soldiers. Transport rotorcraft were equipped only with light weapons and were defenseless against bullets and shells from anti-aircraft machine guns and guns. However, the army needed specialized equipment designed exclusively for shock functions. And such a technique appeared.

"Cobra" was created on the basis of the legendary UH-1 "Iroquois". But the helicopter had a completely different shape, which has become classic for attack vehicles. The pilots were positioned one behind the other - thus reducing the frontal projection of the helicopter. The fuselage was narrow, the wings were small. The entire silhouette of the Cobra was harmonious and impetuous. The "Turntable" was widely used by the Americans in Vietnam and earned the love of soldiers and pilots.

The modern version of the model is the Bell AH-1 Supercobra. The main difference from the original version was the presence of two engines instead of one and a modern avionics complex. The main armament of the vehicle is Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

• crew: 2 people (pilot and operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 6690 kg;
• payload weight: 1736 kg;
• power plant: 2 turboshaft General Electric T700-GE-401;
• engine power: 2 × 1723 hp with. (2 × 1285 kW);
• maximum speed: 282 km / h (near the ground);
• practical range: 518 km.

It should be noted that the latest versions of the "Supercobra" in terms of their characteristics are not much inferior to attack helicopters created much later. "Cobras" and "Supercobras" were and are in service with more than 10 countries of the world. In addition to Vietnam, these machines were used in various conflicts in the Middle East and, in terms of their combat experience, are perhaps second only to the legendary Mi-24, which took a slightly higher place in our rating.

5. Mi-24 (USSR)

This rotorcraft is recognizable and covered with military glory. The Mi-24 is one of the most massive and widespread helicopters in the world.

Following the Cobra, he became the second attack helicopter in the world and the first of such machines in the USSR. The helicopter was developed at the Mil Design Bureau, the most experienced helicopter design bureau in the Soviet Union. Many components and assemblies of the Mi-24 were borrowed from another, no less legendary machine - the Mi-8 transport and combat helicopter. Like the Americans, the Milevites created a narrow and swift shock model from a rather heavy transporter.

But the Mi-24 was significantly different from its overseas counterpart. Soviet designers wanted to implement the concept of a "flying infantry fighting vehicle" - an attack helicopter with the ability to carry troops. On the one hand, this idea increased the size of the helicopter, increased its weight, on the other hand, the Mi-24 received greater flexibility in use. Although it was practically not used as an amphibious assault, the ability to transport excess cargo in the troop compartment, the wounded, the crew of the wrecked vehicle more than once saved the lives of soldiers and pilots.

But still, the main task of the Mi-24 was the destruction of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, fortifications and enemy manpower. The helicopter was supposed to climb into the thick of the battle and deliver deadly blows. The designers protected the car with powerful armor, capable of withstanding hits from small arms and, in some places, even heavy machine guns. The Mi-24 was equipped with built-in machine-gun and cannon armament (depending on modification), unguided and guided anti-tank missiles "Shturm", bombs, built-in cannon containers, etc.

The Soviet helicopter, nicknamed the “Crocodile” for its green elongated silhouette, received its baptism of fire in Afghanistan. Throughout the years of the conflict, the Mi-24s acted as winged guardian angels of paratroopers and infantrymen. The value of this helicopter is very difficult to overestimate. Maneuverable, swift and at the same time well armored, the Mi-24 was a very difficult and dangerous target for the Mujahideen.

Along with the Afghan conflict, the helicopter was used in almost every hot spot on our planet. Everywhere he has established himself as an exceptionally reliable and tenacious machine.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2-3 people;
• maximum takeoff weight: 11,500 kg;
• maximum load capacity: 2400 kg;
• power plant: 2 TV3-117 engines;
• power: 2 × 2200 l. with.;
• number of passengers: up to 8 paratroopers, 2 seriously wounded on a stretcher, 2 lightly wounded and a paramedic;
• maximum speed in level flight: 335 km/h;
• practical flight range: 450 km;
• ferry flight range: 1000 km.

The Mi-24 is or was in service with about 40 (!) countries, becoming, along with the AK and T-72, a symbol of Soviet weapons. In total, more than 3500 cars were produced. In version 24P/K, this helicopter is also in service in Belarus.

4. Eurocopter "Tiger"

This is one of the most modern, expensive and complex helicopters in the world. It was designed by the European Franco-German concern Eurocopter. This machine was developed later than the Cobra and Mi-24, when a fairly rich experience in the combat use of attack helicopters was accumulated.

The Germans and the French believed that the basis for the survival of the combat aircraft of the future would not be thick armor and strong construction, but low visibility, the use of electronic warfare (electronic warfare) and special tactics of use. It should be noted that such a concept has shown its inconsistency.

The helicopter was equipped with all sorts of sensors. Sighting and navigation system MEP - with an over-sleeve vision system, as on the Apache Longbow. Eurocopter was presented in several versions for France and Germany in shock and anti-tank modifications. The Tiger is armed with a built-in 30 mm cannon, as well as various options for guided and unguided missiles. In addition to ATGMs, it also carries air-to-air missiles to combat enemy helicopters and aircraft.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• maximum takeoff weight: 6100 kg;
• mass of fuel in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB);
• volume of fuel tanks: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB);
• power plant: 2 turboshaft MTU / Turbomeca / Rolls-Royce MTR390;
• engine power: 2 × 1285 hp with.;
• maximum speed: 278 km/h;
• cruising speed: 230 km/h;
• practical range: 800 km.

Eurocopter is in service not only in France and Germany, but also in Spain and Australia. At the same time, the helicopter, which was developed for the Cold War, was not needed by the languishing European armies with the collapse of the USSR. As a result, the total number of purchased vehicles differs significantly from the planned one.

The advantages of the "Tiger" include an advanced board and fairly powerful weapons. However, it has insufficient armor protection for an attack combat helicopter. The next in our ranking will be the most armored helicopter in the world.

3. Flying tank Mi-28

Work on this helicopter began almost immediately after the creation of the Mi-24. The new car was the successor to the well-proven Crocodile, only without a cargo compartment. The Mi-28 was supposed to be a purely combat helicopter with strong armor and powerful weapons. The novelty made its first flight in 1982. The machine participated in the competition for a single attack helicopter along with another well-known helicopter - the Ka-50 "Black Shark".

The Mi-28 was created according to a new concept for the use of combat helicopters - the closest possible flight near the ground with enveloping the terrain, rapid search and destruction of targets. Great attention was paid to protection. The rich experience of using the Mi-24 in Afghanistan and other hot spots suggested that the attack helicopter should be seriously protected. The cockpit and its glazing withstand 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets and 20 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells. The engines of the vehicle are separated to the maximum distance and equipped with thermal filters to reduce the likelihood of being hit by missiles with a thermal homing head. The design of the hull and chassis allows the crew to survive a fall at a speed of up to 12 m/s.

During the entire development period, the armament of the helicopter was improved. The modification of the Mi-28N "Night Hunter" received the entire avionics complex for combat in various weather conditions and at night. The helicopter is equipped with a powerful 30 mm 2A42 cannon, which was mounted on the BMP-2. The main weapon of the helicopter is the Ataka ATGM. Also, the machine can carry unguided weapons, missiles and bombs with a total mass of up to 2.5 tons.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people;
• maximum takeoff weight: 12,100 kg;
• payload weight: 2300 kg;
• fuel mass: 1500 kg;
• power plant: turboshaft VK-2500-02, 2700 hp with.;
• cruising speed: 265 km/h;
• flight range: 450 km.

After many years of lack of money, the Mi-28 is now actively purchased by the armed forces of the Russian Federation. At the moment, more than a hundred of these helicopters have been produced. In addition, contracts were signed for deliveries to Iraq, Egypt and Algeria. Only the almost complete lack of combat experience and some avionics systems did not allow this wonderful helicopter to climb higher in our list.

2. Ka-52 "Alligator"

The Kamov Design Bureau was the second helicopter design bureau in the Soviet Union. And if the Mil Design Bureau was engaged in helicopters for the ground forces, then the Kamov Design Bureau focused on naval aviation. It was it that first applied an unusual coaxial screw arrangement. A classic helicopter has a main rotor and a tail rudder. With a coaxial scheme, both screws are on top. This scheme increases the height of the machine, complicates the design, but reduces its length and improves flight performance.

In the 70s, the Kamov Design Bureau for the first time took up the development of a competitor to the Mi-28. The result of this work was the Ka-50 "Black Shark" - the most beautiful attack helicopter in the world.

According to the results of the competition for the best combat helicopter, this model outperformed the Mil helicopter and was recommended for mass production. But the difficult 1990s came, and both machines, the Ka-50 and Mi-28, were left without funding. It is worth noting that many of the military, despite the remarkable combat properties of the Black Shark, were against this helicopter. The main argument was the absence of the second crew member - the navigator.

As mentioned above, the main task of an attack helicopter is to search for and destroy enemy tanks, as well as other small and point targets. One pilot could not fully cope with this task, even with the help of high-quality on-board equipment. It became obvious that a single-pilot attack helicopter was not viable.

Then a new helicopter with two crew members was created, called the Ka-52 Alligator. The car was originally planned to be used as a command, for reconnaissance and target designation, as well as a naval version of an attack helicopter.

But it turned out that the purchases of the Ka-52 exceed the purchases of the Mi-28. And in the offices of the General Staffs, and on Internet forums, disputes about which of these machines is better do not subside. Both have almost the same niche, similar characteristics, their advantages and disadvantages. Apparently, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has not decided on the best model, since it is purchasing both helicopters in parallel.

The Mi-28 is superior to the Ka-52 in terms of protection, simplicity of design (classic scheme, continuation of the Mi-24) and reliability. At the same time, Kamov's helicopter has the best flight characteristics, the best armament at the moment and, most importantly, the best on-board equipment, practically not inferior in this respect to the winner of our top.

Like the Mi-28, the Ka-52 is armed with a 30-mm cannon, but with better accuracy due to the installation in the center of the hull fuselage. At the same time, it has worse pointing angles compared to the Mi-28.

The "main caliber" of the Ka-52 are supersonic anti-tank guided missiles "Whirlwind". The helicopter can carry up to 32 of these missiles in a maximum load. The standard equipment is 16 Vikhr ATGMs and 2 NAR units (unguided aircraft missiles). The vehicle can also carry bombs and air-to-air guided missiles.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people (pilot and weapon operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 12,200 kg;
• power plant: 2 turboshaft VK-2500 manufactured by OJSC Klimov;
• maximum speed: 300 km/h;
• cruising speed: 260 km/h;
• practical range: 460 km;
• ferry range: 1110 km;
• static ceiling: 4000 m;
• dynamic ceiling: 5500 m.

The Ka-52, like the Ka-50, was not exported outside of Russia. At the moment, more than 70 Alligators are in service with the RF Armed Forces, which compete with the American monster AN-64 Apache - our winner.

1. AN-64 "Apache"

AN-64 has become the most massive second-generation combat helicopter, and the most belligerent.

The first strike machine "Cobra" was extremely successful and proved to be excellent in Vietnam. At the same time, the US Army needed a new model, better protected and carrying more powerful weapons. One of the main requirements was to ensure all-weather capability. The main task of the new helicopter was the fight against enemy tanks (USSR). The layout of the AN-64 has become a reference for other shock helicopters. It is easy to see that the Mi-28 as a whole completely repeats the American car.

During the development of the helicopter, much attention was paid to its survivability. So, the most important units are shielded by the less important ones, the engines are separated to the maximum distance in order to prevent the simultaneous defeat of both, and the crew is protected by strong armor. Nevertheless, the main highlight of the Apache is its airborne complex, equipped with the most modern means of observation, search and destruction of targets.

Throughout the entire life cycle, Apache has been continuously improved, trying to match the threats as much as possible in terms of its combat characteristics. Initially, the main armament of the helicopter was the Hellfire ATGM with a laser guidance head. But with the appearance in the USSR of effective and numerous short-range anti-aircraft systems "Tunguska", it became clear that the helicopter would be destroyed with a high probability.

Then the Americans developed a modification of the AN-64D "Longbow" ("Longbow"). The Apache was equipped with an over-the-arm radar and a new generation of Hellfire missiles with a fire-and-forget homing head that allows the helicopter to change its location and “hide” after launch. The efficiency of new machines has increased significantly. It should be noted that not a single modern helicopter is equipped with such a system, with the exception of the light and small European Tiger. Russian helicopters Mi-28 and Ka-52 are still equipped with laser-guided missiles, much inferior in this to the American competitor.

But not only this allowed "Apache" to take first place in our ranking. For almost 30 years of its existence, the AN-64 managed to make war in many parts of the world. After Panama, Iraq became the main baptism of fire of the model. During Operation Desert Storm, it was the AN-64s that broke a hole in the Iraqi air defense system. Together with the A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, these helicopters became the main opponents of Iraqi tanks. After 1991, Apaches were actively used in Afghanistan, and then again in Iraq.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people (pilot and weapon operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 10,432 kg;
• power plant: 2 × TVD General Electric 1890 l. with.;
• maximum speed: 290 km/h;
• cruising speed: 250 km/h;
• practical range: 406 km;
• ferry range: 1899 km.

At the moment, "Apache" is one of the most common attack helicopters in the world. In total, about a thousand copies were produced. The AN-64 model of various modifications is in service with more than ten countries in different parts of the world. In this helicopter, the engineers were able to most successfully combine all the combat properties of the current strike machines.

From its first appearance to the present day, the helicopter has been an integral part of the arsenal of both civilian and military services. This technique performs the transportation of goods, the rapid transportation of passengers, and also allows you to effectively destroy enemy ground targets. Today, combat helicopters occupy a strong position in almost all the armies of the world - as a reliable multifunctional weapon. In this article, we have described best combat helicopters in the world- Top 10.

1. AH-64D Apache Longbow

Specially designed for the needs of the United States Army, the AH-64D Apache Long Bow has become not only one of the best combat helicopters in the world, but also one of the most popular among them. Its combat power is amazing, and the range of capabilities is simply colossal. The AH-64D Apache Long Bow is equipped with advanced electronics and is capable of combat both day and night - with equal efficiency. In addition, this machine is able to perform tasks even in severe weather. An impressive missile ammunition (among which 16 guided missiles can be placed) and a powerful machine gun allow the helicopter to destroy ground targets and enemy manpower in an unprecedented way.

2. Ka-52 "Alligator"

The Ka-52 Alligator is considered the leader among all combat helicopters in the world. Even the legendary American AH-64D Apache Long Bow cannot boast of such maneuverability and combat strength. The first is achieved thanks to two screws located on the same axis, the second is due to advanced combat equipment and the ability to conduct combat at any time of the day and in any weather. The Ka-52 is capable of flying even in gale-force winds, and firing in thick fog or smoke. The Alligator's arsenal contains many first-class advanced technologies, some of which are unparalleled. The combination of all of the above allowed the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter to take a leading position in the world among other combat helicopters.

3.AH-1Z Viper

Another great American combat helicopter is the AH-1Z Viper. It was created on the basis of the Bell AH-1 Super Cobra: the development was carried out purposefully for the forces of the US Marines. This combat vehicle is equipped with advanced technologies and weapons, two turbocharged engines and is designed to conduct dense machine-gun and rocket fire on enemy targets and manpower. The pride of the AH-1Z Viper is its modernized sighting system, which allows for high accuracy of fire both with machine gun and rocket fire. In addition, part of the missiles of this helicopter are guided. It was accepted into service in the armed forces of the United States at the beginning of the 11th year.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

At the dawn of today's millennium, a European company (France, Germany) began developing a new powerful combat helicopter that could meet modern requirements for technology in this area. The result was more than successful - Eurocopter Tiger. This combat vehicle is in service with the manufacturing countries, as well as in Australia and Spain. Eurocopter Tiger was originally designed as a combat helicopter with high endurance and maximum stealth. The machine is equipped with a system for recognizing missiles launched into a helicopter. As weapons, there is a 30-millimeter machine gun, as well as 2 mounts for additional already loaded machine guns and 4 suspension points for missile systems (with guided and conventional missiles).

In the list of the Top 10 best combat helicopters in the world, the MI-28N, which is a modernized version of the MI-28, flaunts with dignity. Its development was carried out for a long 33 years (since 1980), after which this helicopter entered service with the army. According to the classification of NATO helicopters, the MI-28N received a second name, which translates as "devastator". This air vehicle boasts advanced weapons, excellent survivability, high speed performance and the ability to perform aerobatics. The helicopter is also capable of firing at any time of the day, in any weather, and also at incredibly low altitudes.

6. Agusta A129 Mangusta

The championship among combat helicopters, entirely developed in Western European countries, belongs to Agusta A129 Mangusta. It was invented by an Italian company. Today, this helicopter has another similar modification, which is produced by the Turkish side. With its weapons and technologies, however, as well as power, the Agusta A129 Mangusta is inferior to the helicopters listed above in this list. However, this did not prevent him from becoming one of the best both in Europe and around the world. This machine is also equipped with various types of rockets, but it has a slightly smaller caliber guns and machine guns.

7. Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is the same helicopter that became the progenitor of the AH-1Z Viper, which is no less in demand in the world. In turn, the first one was created on the basis of the Cobra with one engine. After being developed in the early 80s of the last century, the Bell AH-1 Super Cobra (now with two powerful engines) was adopted by the United States Marine Corps, where it is listed to this day. Among the weapons of this combat helicopter are guided and conventional missiles and bombs, a 20-millimeter cannon. This combat vehicle is capable of firing at both ground and air targets (including guided missiles).

8 Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

A real achievement for the armed forces of the Republic of South Africa was the high efficiency of their Denel AH-2 Rooivalk helicopter, which was recognized as one of the best in the world. But it is in service only in South Africa, and that is just 12 helicopters that have been modified from those that were used in this country earlier. They were not launched into mass production and were created in such quantities only to meet the corresponding combat needs of the state. Denel AH-2 Rooivalk, however, is capable of speeds of 309 km / h, which is the second indicator among all combat helicopters in the world (the first is the Mi-24). The armament is also not much inferior to its competitors - points of attachment for missile systems (with the possibility of equipping with guided missiles) and a 20-mm machine gun with a reserve of 700 rounds.

One of the best combat helicopters of all times and peoples is the Mi-24. He entered service with the Soviet army in the 71st year and is still used in many countries (especially in Russia). Its armament and equipment depends on the modification, each of which is designed for specific conditions. At the time of the appearance of the Mi-24, the United States designed a similar AH-24 Apache helicopter, but the Soviet one had an advantage - it could also carry 8 passengers on board. The Mi-24 can fire at ground and air targets at any time of the day and even in severe weather conditions, and also has a record speed among combat helicopters - 335 km/h.

The first draft of an aircraft similar to a modern helicopter was created by Leonardo da Vinci back in 1475. But for the first time, a man managed to get off the ground in a rotorcraft only on September 29, 1907 - the brothers Louis and Jacques Breguet made the first ever vertical flight in a helicopter built according to their own drawings.

But the helicopters of the Breguet brothers, like all previous projects, were designed only for vertical lifting. On May 18, 1911, Russian engineer Boris Yuryev published in the journal Automobile and Aeronautics a diagram of a single-rotor helicopter with a tail rotor and an automatic swashplate. Until now, this mechanism is used on most helicopters and allows machines to fly on a horizontal axis.

Speed ​​is an important technical characteristic of a helicopter. To improve the speed characteristics, developers use various carrier systems with a different number of propellers and blades, and some models are equipped with special push propellers. Over the century-old history of helicopters, aircraft designers have managed to "disperse" them to almost 500 km / h. This week, the editors of the Swedish Internet portal expressen.se ranked modern helicopters, naming the Top 10 fastest rotorcraft.

1st place
Helicopter Eurocopter X3. Maximum speed - 472 km / h
militaryfactory.com

Experimental hybrid helicopter (rotorcraft), created by Eurocopter. The first flight took place in 2010 in France
militaryfactory.com

2nd place
AH-64D Apache. Maximum speed - 365 km / h
thebrigade.com

Since the mid-1980s, the Apache has been the main attack helicopter of the US Army. First saw combat during the American invasion of Panama in 1989.
airplane-pictures.net

3rd place
Ka-52 "Alligator". Maximum speed - 350 km / h
airwar.ru

The multipurpose attack helicopter is an upgraded version of the Ka-50 Black Shark. It made its first flight in 1997 and has been mass-produced since 2008. The only combat helicopter in the world in which the pilots sit side by side, and not one behind the other
airwar.ru

4th place
NH90. Maximum speed - 324 km / h
defenseindustrydaily.com

NH90 is a multipurpose helicopter developed by Eurocopter. Made first flight in 1995
defenseindustrydaily.com

5th place
Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Maximum speed - 315 km / h
boeing.com

American heavy military transport helicopter of the longitudinal scheme. Operated since the early 60s
boeing.com

6th place
Mi-35M. Maximum speed - 310 km / h
bmpd.livejournal.com

It is an improved modification of the Mi-24 helicopter. Serially produced since 2005
bmpd.livejournal.com

7th place
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin (before 2007 it was called EH101). Maximum speed - 309 km / h
aircraftcompare.com

Medium-lift helicopter, used for military and civil purposes. First flew in 1987
aircraftcompare.com

8th place
Agusta Westland AW139. Maximum speed - 306 km / h
avia.pro

Anglo-Italian twin-engine multipurpose helicopter. Army modification can accommodate up to 10 soldiers in full gear. The first flight took place in 2001
avia.pro

9th place
Mi-28N "Night hunter". Maximum speed - 300 km / h
bmpd.livejournal.com

Both well-known Western developments and rather unexpected Eastern and African combat helicopters were included in the list. There are also three Russian "iron birds" in the rating.

MIR 24 collected information about the main bladed "death machines", which to this day can be seen in reports from "hot spots" and at exhibitions of the best examples of military equipment.

10th place. Agusta A129 Mangusta

This Italian attack helicopter was the first fully developed and assembled in Western Europe. Its carrying capacity is 4.6 thousand kilograms, while it can reach speeds of up to 278 km / h. It is typically equipped with three 20mm Lockheed Martin cannons, as well as eight air-to-ground, air-to-air, and several dozen rockets. It is in service with the Italian and Turkish Air Forces.

9th place. Mi-24 "Crocodile"

8th place. CAIC WZ-10

Chinese helicopter developed on the basis of a Russian project. The crew in it is placed in tandem, which is not in any other combat vehicle. Used primarily as an anti-tank helicopter. Due to the relatively small carrying capacity, it can accelerate to 300 km / h, while the body of the "iron bird" is made using stealth technology. Armed with a 23 mm cannon, as well as air-to-ground, air-to-air missiles and unguided projectiles. It is in service with the Chinese Air Force.

Photo: 3GO*CHN-405/mjordan_6

7th place. AH-2

Attack helicopter developed in South Africa. Designed to destroy enemy manpower and equipment. It develops a speed of up to 300 km / h, while there are no seats for passengers, only the pilot and the operator of weapons systems get on board. Equipped with a 20 mm cannon, guided and unguided rockets. It is in service with the South African Air Force.

Photo: Danie van der Merwe

6th place. HAL LCH

5th place. Eurocopter Tiger

It was developed by a Franco-German consortium on the basis of three principles: "It should not be visible to enemies", "If it was seen, it should not be hit", "If it was hit, it must remain in the air." The combat vehicle is equipped with modern systems for reducing visibility, detecting and counteracting air defense and "survivability". The latter provides for massive armor. Equipped with a 30mm cannon, versatile rockets and 12.7mm machine guns as secondary weapons. It is in service with the armies of Australia, Spain, Germany and France.

Photo: DVIDSHUB - Flickr: French, US forces continue working side by side

4th place. Bell AH-1Z "Viper"

The US-designed attack helicopter has state-of-the-art main and tail rotors and avionics. It also works flawlessly in bad weather conditions and at night. Mainly used by the US Navy. In sea battles, speed is important, so the Viper is one of the fastest combat vehicles, reaching speeds of up to 410 km / h. Armed with a 20 mm triple-barreled cannon, a large number of air-to-ground missiles and other projectiles. It is also possible to install two additional guns.

Photo: Lance Cpl. Christopher O'Quin, USMC-U.S. marine corps photo

3rd place. Mi-28N Night Hunter

Another helicopter developed at the Mil plant. This is a maneuverable combat vehicle capable of performing many aerobatic maneuvers. Forward, it can fly at speeds up to 325 km/h, and its lateral speed is 100 km/h. The helicopter perfectly copes with tasks in any weather. Armed with a 30 mm cannon, several types of missiles, and can also carry small loads for setting minefields. It is in service with the Air Force of Algeria, Iraq and.

Photo: Yevgeny Volkov

2nd place. Ka-52 "Alligator"

"Alligator" - a heavily armed reconnaissance helicopter of a new generation. It develops a good speed of 330 km / h, but this combat vehicle does not need to fly fast. It has a target detection range of up to 300 km, and can also hit armored vehicles at a distance of 100 km. One of the most modern Russian aircraft is equipped with a 30 mm cannon and several diverse missiles. It is interesting that both the commander of the crew and the operator of weapons systems can control the helicopter.

Currently, helicopters are one of the most advanced means used in logistics, war and rescue operations. From the appearance of these vehicles during the Great Patriotic War and to this day, helicopters could radically change the course of the battle.

We have compiled the top 10 most efficient helicopters to date. Each is rated on avionics capabilities, speed, agility and firepower.

10.Z-10

The Z-10 attack helicopter has been used by the Chinese Air Force since 2008. The Z-10 is designed as a standard tandem cockpit gunship. The place of the shooter is in front, the pilot is in the back. The Z-10 can carry a 30mm cannon, HJ-9, HJ-10 and B-B missiles. Including capable of carrying non-functioning rocket capsules.

Mi-24 is a huge attack aircraft, as well as a small-tonnage passenger carrier (no more than 8 people). The Mi-24 is the first helicopter designed for the Russian Air Force as a warship. It is an analogue of the Western Apache AH-64, however, it is distinguished from this and similar American helicopters by the ability to transport passengers.

AH-2 Rooivalk manufactured by Denel, South Africa. From African Rooivalk is translated as "Red Kestrel". The African Air Force operates 12 AH-2 helicopters. Although this helicopter looks like a modern one, the Rooivalk is based to some extent on the reverse engineering of the Aerospatiale Puma using the same engines and main rotor.

The AH-1W is a twin-engine helicopter based on the US Air Force's AH-1 Cobra. The Cobra twin family consists of the SeaCobra, AH-1T (an upgraded SeaCobra) and the SuperCobra.

Agusta A129 "Mongoose" is an attack helicopter originally designed and manufactured by the Italian company Agusta. It is the first attack helicopter completely designed and manufactured in Western Europe.

The T-129 ATAK is a derivative of the A129 and is being developed by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with its main partner AgustaWestland.

Mighty. Flexible. Multitask. The perfect combat helicopter. The Viper is a twin-engine helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, designed for the US Marine Corps. It has a four-blade non-supported composite main rotor system, overdrive and a new sight system. The AH-1Z is part of the H-1 upgrade plan. Another name for the helicopter is "Zulu Cobra".

The Eurocopter Tiger is a combat helicopter developed by Eurocopter. Known as Tiger in Germany; in Spain and France it is called Tigre. Equipped with two MTR390 engines.

The Mi-28 (NATO codification: Devastator) is a Russian all-weather military tandem two-seat helicopter. Mi-28 cannot perform transport operations, as it is intended only for military operations; it is an optimized version of the Mi-24. It is armed with one cannon in a barbette under the nose and missiles on the outside, resting on the wings.

Ka-50 is a Russian single-seat combat helicopter with a coaxial rotor system of the Kamov Design Bureau. Developed in the 1980s, it began to be used by the Russian Air Force in 1995.

The Ka-50 is designed to be small, fast and agile, which improves its survivability and ability to fly. The minimum weight and size (respectively, maximum speed and mobility) made it unique among single-seat attack helicopters. The Russian-designed Ka-50 "Deceiver" (Hokum) can be armed with 24 Whirlwind guided missiles, four pods with 20 unguided rockets, or a combination of the two. The Deceiver is also capable of carrying AA-11/R-73 Archer BB missiles, making it an extremely dangerous threat to other attack helicopters. In addition, it is equipped with a single-barreled gun 2A42 (30mm). The maximum speed of the helicopter is 350 kilometers per hour, the firing radius is 250 kilometers.

The AH-64D Apache Long Bow attack helicopter was the most deployed and most powerful armor-piercing system during the Gulf War. Designed to perform combat missions day or night and in adverse weather conditions, the Apache was designed specifically to meet the stringent requirements of the US Army Advanced Attack Helicopter plan. Apache is equipped with modern electronic technology and fire control systems. The firepower is amazing. The Apache can be loaded with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire rockets, 76 70mm fold-finned air rockets, or a combination of the two - in addition to 1,200 30mm rounds from its M230 autocannon.

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