The best helicopters. Russian new generation helicopters: review of promising developments. place – Black Hawk

The helicopter is today the most effective means used for material technical support, in military operations and rescue operations. From the first in World War II, participation in the Vietnam War to the present day, best helicopters helped change the course of events on the battlefield. Here are the top ten combat helicopters in the world. Each is characterized by features of electronic equipment, speed characteristics, and firepower. The list of the fastest helicopters and advanced jet fighters is also of interest. This is a rating of the best combat helicopters in the world.

The Z-10 attack helicopter was introduced into service with the Chinese Army in 2008-2009. The Z-10 has the configuration of a conventional heavily armed helicopter, with a narrow fuselage and a stepped two-seat cockpit. The gunner is on the front panel and the pilot is on the rear panel. The Z-10's armament could consist of a 30 mm machine gun mount, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to the TOW-2A), the newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to the AGM-114 Hellfire) and the TY-90 air-to-air missile -air". It also carries a unit of unguided aircraft missiles.

The Mi-24 is a specialized rotary-wing combat vehicle, with a cargo compartment that can accommodate eight troops. The Mi-24 became the first Russian helicopter introduced into the Russian Air Force as an attack transport. This is a close analogue of the American AH-64 Apache, but unlike this and other Western attack helicopters, it can carry up to 8 paratroopers.

8. AH-2 Rooivalk

Denel Rooivalk is a South African attack helicopter manufactured by Denel. Rooivalk means "red kestrel" in Afrikaans. In South African air forces Only 12 AH-2 Rooivalk helicopters are operational. Although the helicopter looks updated, the production uses the same engine and main rotor as the French Aerospatiale Puma helicopter.

7. AH-1W "Super Cobra"

The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is a twin-engine superior attack helicopter descended from the US Army's AH-1 Cobra helicopter. The Cobra family includes the AH-1J Sea Cobra, the AH-1T updated Sea Cobra, and the AH-1W Super Cobra.

6. A-129/T-129 (Italy/Türkiye)

The Agusta A129 Mongoose is an Italian attack helicopter originally designed and manufactured by Agusta. It was the first attack helicopter designed and produced exclusively in Western Europe. The Agusta Westland T-129 ATAK is a modified version of the A129 produced by Turkey Aerospace Industries (TAI), in partnership with Agusta Westland.

5. AH-1Z "Viper"

Spacious. Universal. Multipurpose. The latest generation of impact technology. The Bell AH-1Z "Viper" is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W "Super Cobra" developed for the US Navy. It features four-blade propellers, a composite main rotor and rudder, modern engines and an improved sighting system. The AH-1Z is part of the H-1 modernization program. It is also called "Zulu Cobra" in another variant.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter produced by the Eurocopter consortium. In Germany, France and Spain it is known as the "Tiger". It is powered by two MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.

3. Mi-28H Havoc (Russia)

The Mi-28H (NATO version Havoc, translated as “devastator”) is a Russian anti-tank attack helicopter operating in any weather conditions, at any time of the day or night, double. This specialized combat helicopter is better optimized and designed for combat purposes than the Mi-24. It carries a single machine gun mount in the nose, as well as additional payloads carried on pylons under the wings.

2. Kamov KA-50/KA-52

The Ka-50 "Black Shark" is a single-seat Russian attack helicopter, with a distinctive coaxial rotor system created by Design Bureau Kamova. It was developed in the 80s. and adapted for the needs Russian army in 1995, the Ka-50 was designed to be compact and fast to minimize the risk of death. Due to its small mass and size (due to which it developed high speed and maneuverability) it became the only helicopter controlled by only one pilot. The Russian Ka-50 can carry 24 missiles, 4 missile pods. The Hokum can also carry AA-11/R-73 Archer air-to-air missiles, making it a worthy opponent to other attack helicopters. It is also equipped with a 2A42 30mm combat cannon. The maximum speed of the Ka-50 Hokum reaches 350 km per hour, and the combat radius is 250 km.

1. AH-64D Apache Long Bow

The best combat helicopter in the world. The Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was known as a powerful anti-tank helicopter in the Persian Gulf. Designed to carry out military missions day or night, in adverse weather conditions, the Apache was created to meet the demanding requirements of plans to create advanced attack helicopters for the US Army. The helicopter is equipped the latest level electronics and fire control system, has unique firepower. The Apache can be equipped with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 76 70 mm air missiles, in combination with an M 230 automatic cannon.

Rotorcraft were found in present time wide use. Combat helicopters, which first took part in military operations during the Korean War, significantly influenced battle tactics. Thus, all armies began to use helicopters developed countries. This universal equipment is also capable of transporting cargo for various purposes, taking part in search and rescue, reconnaissance operations, and carrying out fire support infantry.

The best helicopter in our understanding is the perfect one aircraft capable of successfully performing the tasks assigned to him in different conditions at the limit of its capabilities. In the ranking of the best helicopters in the world there are only options military aviation, which have undergone rigorous testing in hot spots.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the ten best helicopters

10th place – Mi-26

• Soviet heavy transport helicopter.
• First flown in 1977.
• 310 units produced.
• Loading capacity – 80 paratroopers or 20 tons of cargo.

This helicopter is the largest in size in the world. Achieving unique capabilities required the use of original technical solutions. The vehicle was equipped with an eight-bladed main rotor, a multi-threaded power transmission, and three video cameras for monitoring the cargo placed on the external sling. The helicopter was used during the liquidation of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It was used for the installation of a shelter, specially reinforced with a thick layer of lead radio protection. After the operation, all Mi-26s were buried in the Chernobyl 30-kilometer zone.

9th place – Westland Lynx

• English multi-purpose helicopter.
• First flown in 1971.
• 400 units produced.
• Capable of carrying 10 paratroopers and suspended weapons in the form of 4 anti-ship missiles (naval version) or 70-mm Hydra rockets, 20-mm cannons and up to 8 anti-tank missiles (land version).

The appearance of Lynx resembles a representative civil aviation, but despite this, it is one of the most common deck-based helicopters. Westland Lynx operated in Falklands War and quite successfully. Lynxes were also used in the combat zone in Balkan Peninsula, for the blockade of the coast of Yugoslavia and in 1991 in Iraq, where with their help a landing ship, 4 border boats, a T-43 minesweeper and a missile boat were sunk.
But it’s not just its military merits that make the machine unique; in 1986, the Westland Lynx set the speed record for all mass-produced helicopters, accelerating to 400 km/h.

8th place – Boeing CH-47 Chinook

• Military transport heavy helicopter with a longitudinal design.
• First flown into the sky in 1961.
• 1179 units were produced.
• Load capacity – 12 tons or up to 55 people.

An important property of the army of any country is its mobility. Looking at transportation personnel military, then helicopters play a significant role in this process. There was especially a need for such a movement during Vietnam War- mountainous terrain and large temperature changes prevented the transfer of soldiers in another way. The Chinook helicopter, which was created according to an original longitudinal design using two main rotors, came to the rescue of the soldiers. During rescue operations in Vietnam, a record was set - 147 refugees were taken on board the helicopter. This device received the slang nickname “flying carriage”. It was not thrown onto the battlefield; the CH-47's specialty was transporting cargo from ships to land bases. Interesting fact that during the Vietnam War, Chincoki evacuated damaged equipment to total amount$3 billion.

Until now, the helicopter remains in service with many countries and is actively used.

7th place – Bell AH-1 Cobra

• Attack helicopter.
• First flown into the sky in 1965.
• 1116 copies produced.
• Equipped with the following weapons: remote-controlled installation with 2 Minigun machine guns, 70-mm NURS, air-to-air missiles, TOW anti-tank missiles.

“Cobras” are deservedly called tank hunters, which they have confirmed with successful missions to destroy enemy ground equipment in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots.

For the first time in the world, this device was initially designed as an attack helicopter. The side projections of the control cabin were protected with composite armor. The Cobra helicopter was equipped with a powerful sighting system that performed well in harsh weather conditions. The compact size of the helicopter facilitates its deployment on aircraft carriers and universal landing ships.

6th place – Mi-24

• Transport and military aircraft.
• First flown in 1969.
• More than 2000 units were produced.
• It is equipped with built-in weapons in the form of a four-barreled 12.7 mm machine gun and suspended weapons: NURS, free-falling bombs, suspended cannon containers, and an anti-missile system.
• The capacity of the troop compartment is up to 8 people.

The Americans, who managed to intercept the Mi-24, affirmatively insist that it is not a helicopter. Despite the visual similarity, if you look at the device from a technical point of view, it can be defined as a hybrid of a helicopter and an airplane. The arguments for this fact are that the Mi-24 is not capable of hovering in one place and taking off without acceleration. Large pylons act as airplane wings, creating additional takeoff force. American technicians conducted an experiment and found that with the help of pylons placed to the sides, up to 40% of the lifting force is created. Also, the hybrid must be piloted using “aircraft” technology. During a decline in lift, you need to lower the nose slightly, like on an airplane.

In the creation of the Mi-24, the idea of ​​a “flying infantry fighting vehicle” was realized, so it contains powerful complex weapons not typical for other standard helicopters. “Aircraft qualities” allowed the heavyweight Mi-24 to enter the line of the fastest military helicopters in the world ( maximum speed– 320 km/h).

The helicopter took part in military conflicts in Caucasus mountains and in the Pamirs, became a symbol of the Afghan war.

5 -e place– Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

• Heavy transport helicopter.
• 115 units produced.
• Load capacity - 13 tons in the cargo compartment, up to 14.5 tons on an external sling, or up to 55 paratroopers.

This helicopter is a deep modernization of the famous CH-53 Sea Steele, built to meet the needs of the US Navy. To the original design, the developers added a third engine and a seven-blade main rotor. The CH-53E helicopter was nicknamed the “hurricane maker.”

It also had a dead loop. In addition to transport missions, the flying boat was used as minesweeper(modification MH-53), operated during search and rescue operations (modification HH-53). The helicopter is equipped with an in-flight refueling system and can remain in flight for a whole day. In addition to operations on water, it was actively used in ground missions. CH-53 and CH-53E provided fire support for dismounted troops in Afghanistan and Iran.

4th place – Bell UH-1

• Multi-role combat helicopter.
• First flown in 1956.
• Over 16,000 units were produced.
• Capable of placing on board up to 14 paratroopers or 1.5 tons of cargo.

This rotorcraft became a symbol of the Vietnam War. Based on the words of the veterans, it was the Bell UH-1 that became their home. He transported soldiers from one combat position to another, supplied the military with provisions and food, provided fire support and transported the wounded. Though combat losses of this helicopter are quite large (about 3000 units), combat use can be called successful. During the 11 years of the war, according to statistics, 36 million sorties were flown. Thus, the losses amounted to 1 helicopter per 18,000 sorties - an impressive result, especially considering the fact that this device has no armor at all.
Before the release of the Cobras, it was he who was entrusted with the task of carrying out strike operations. To do this, the vehicle was equipped with a pair of 12.7 mm machine guns and 48 unguided missiles on the suspension.
The Bell UH-1 joined the ranks of the armies of 70 countries. He is often shown in various Hollywood action films.

3rd place - Mi-8

• Multi-purpose helicopter.
• First flown in 1961.
• Over 17,000 units were produced.
• Load capacity: 24 people or 3 tons of cargo.
• In combat modifications it was equipped with 2-3 machine guns and up to 1.5 tons of weapons on an external sling, which included free-falling bombs, unguided rockets 57 mm caliber and an anti-tank complex.

Although the helicopter was created more than half a century ago, it is still in demand, attracting buyers from all regions of the world. In total, there are three dozen military and civilian modifications. It is used as a reconnaissance helicopter, minelayer, tanker, air command post and an ambulance helicopter. Civilian versions are registered with airlines and are used in agricultural work and emergency response services.
The Mi-8 helicopter has a high degree of versatility and can withstand the conditions of both frosty Siberia and the sultry Sahara. It was used in all hot spots: Afghanistan, Chechnya, the Middle East. There is nothing to replace the legendary helicopter yet.

2nd place - Boeing AH-64 Apache

• Attack helicopter.
• First flown in 1975.
• 1174 units produced.
• Built-in weapons include a 30 mm automatic cannon. The suspended armament consists of 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 76 NURS or missile systems Stinger for air combat.

"Apache" served as a prototype for the creation of a number of modern attack helicopters. He successfully proved himself in the famous Operation Desert Storm, successfully fighting tanks. It is in service and actively used by the Israeli Air Force.
Replace "Apache" in israeli army, most likely, will have to be the Russian Mi-28N, which has the best performance characteristics and won a tender for supply to Israel in 2011.
In 2002, a South Korean Boeing AH-64 Apache was shot down by a North Korean Mi-35. South Korea is suing the manufacturer over this issue for upgrading the entire fleet of these helicopters to the Longbow version.

1st place- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

• Multi-purpose helicopter.
• First flown in 1974.
• 3000 units produced.
• Load capacity – 1.5 tons of cargo on board and up to 4 tons on an external sling. The landing version can accommodate up to 14 soldiers.
• Armed with two machine guns and four weapon mounting points. The weapons complex includes NURSs, containers with 30-mm cannons, and anti-tank Hellfires. Naval versions are equipped with AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles and 324 mm torpedoes.

The Black Hawk can easily be called a helicopter of the 21st century. It was intended to replace the Iroquois, while a naval version was being developed in parallel. The result is a unique helicopter that is suitable for any type of military and has the best characteristics in the world.
In addition to the land version of the UH-60, there are 2 anti-submarine modifications SH-60F and SH-60B (with a sonar station and magnetometer), a modification of the HH-60, released for special combat rescue operations, many sanitary versions, jammers, etc. Sometimes it is ordered for the transfer of high-ranking officials and generals. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is actively exported to all regions of the world.

"Black Hawk" is made of durable materials and equipped with the latest equipment, which makes it possible to long-term storage outside the hangar.

Since the advent of helicopters, the scope of their operation has become very extensive. They are excellent for delivering various types of cargo or evacuating the wounded, as well as for delivering precise and lightning strikes against the enemy. Our review presents 19 of the most best models military transport helicopters around the world.

1. Attack helicopter - McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache

McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache is the main attack helicopter of the United States Army and has been in service since the mid-1980s. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 293 kilometers per hour. The presented sample weighs approximately 5165 kilograms. Its length is 18 m and its wingspan is 15 meters.

2. Multi-purpose helicopter - Westland Lynx

Westland Lynx

3. Attack helicopter - Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne

Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose helicopter that was created by two companies Westland and Aerospatiale. The model made its first flight on March 21, 1971, and entered service at the end of 1978. The maximum permissible flight speed is 324 kilometers per hour. The length of this model reaches 15 m, and the wingspan is 13 meters.

4. Multi-purpose helicopter - Boeing / Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche

Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is an American multi-role reconnaissance and attack helicopter that made its first flight on January 4, 1996. The model weighs approximately 4218 kilograms, while its maximum flight speed reaches 324 kilometers per hour. One fully filled tank will last approximately 2220 km. The length of the presented aircraft is 14 m, and the wingspan is 12 meters.

5. Multi-purpose helicopter - Ka-60 “Kasatka”

Ka-60 "Killer whale" is a Russian multi-purpose military transport helicopter with a length of 16 m and a wingspan of 14 meters. This model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 308 km per hour. One fully filled tank, aircraft enough for approximately 615 kilometers.

6. Attack helicopter - Mi-24

Mi-24 is a Soviet/Russian attack helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M. L. Mil. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 335 kilometers per hour. The length of the model is approximately 18 m, and the wingspan is 6.5 meters. The model made its first flight in 1969. The cost of the Mi-24 is approximately 12 million US dollars.

7. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-26

Mi-26 is a Soviet heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M. L. Mil. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 295 kilometers per hour. This sample weighs 28 tons, and is approximately 40 meters long, while the flight range from one fully filled tank is approximately 800 km. The cost of the Mi-26 is about 18 million US dollars.

8. Attack helicopter - Agusta A129 Mangusta

Agusta A129 Mangusta is an attack helicopter developed by the Italian company Agusta. The presented model weighs 2.5 tons, while the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 352 kilometers per hour. Length of this sample approximately 14 meters, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 510 km. It made its first flight on September 15, 1983. The Agusta A129 Mangusta costs about 22 million US dollars.

9. Attack helicopter - Bell AH-1Z Viper

Bell AH-1Z Viper is an American attack helicopter based on the Bell AH-1 Super Cobra. The presented model weighs 5.5 tons, while the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 411 kilometers per hour. The length of this sample is approximately 18 meters, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 685 km. It made its first flight on December 8, 2000. The Bell AH-1Z Viper costs about $31 million.

10. Military transport helicopter - Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Boeing CH-47 Chinook- This is a heavy military transport helicopter with a longitudinal design. In the United States Army, it replaced the CH-54 model and has been widely used since the early 1960s, exported to 16 countries. The length of this sample is approximately 30 meters. It made its first flight in 1962. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook costs about $35 million.

11. Multi-role helicopter - Bell UH-1 Iroquois

Bell UH-1 "Iroquois"- this is American multi-role helicopter created by Bell Helicopter Textron. It is one of the most famous and popular machines in the history of helicopter manufacturing. Serial production began in 1960. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine. It made its first flight on October 20, 1956, and was put into operation at the end of 1959.

12. Attack helicopter - Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is a South African attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aerospace Systems. This model weighs about 5,730 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank reaches about 740 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the model is approximately 309 km/h. The aircraft made its first flight in 1990. The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk costs approximately $40 million.

13. Attack helicopter - Eurocopter Tiger

Eurocopter Tiger is a modern attack helicopter developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter. This model weighs about 3060 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank reaches about 800 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the model is approximately 230 km/h. The aircraft made its first flight in April 1990.

14. Attack helicopter - Ka-52 “Alligator”

Ka-52 "Alligator" is a Russian attack helicopter that is capable of hitting armored vehicles, manpower and air targets on the battlefield. It is a modernized version of the Ka-50 “Black Shark” model.

15. Attack helicopter - CAIC WZ-10

CAIC WZ-10 is an attack helicopter manufactured by the Chinese People's Republic. Developed with the participation of Russian scientists. Adopted by the PLA in February 2011. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 300 km/h. It weighs about 5540 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 820 kilometers. The sample made its first flight on April 29, 2003.

16. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-2

Mi-2 is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau in the early 1960s. In 1965 it was deployed mass production in Poland. Widely used to perform a variety of civil and military tasks. Its length is 11 m and its wingspan is 14 meters. The model is equipped with a powerful GTD-350 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 200 kilometers per hour.

17. Attack helicopter - Ka-50

Ka-50 is a Soviet/Russian single-seat attack helicopter designed to destroy armored and mechanized vehicles, air targets and manpower on the battlefield. Its length is 16 m and its wingspan is 14 meters. The model is equipped with a powerful TV3-117 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 390 kilometers per hour. Made its first flight on June 17, 1982. The Ka-50 costs about 16 million US dollars.

18. Multi-purpose helicopter - Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is an American multi-purpose helicopter that entered service with the United States Army, replacing the previous Bell UH-1 model. The maximum permissible flight speed of this aircraft is 294 kilometers per hour. Its length reaches 20 m, and its wingspan is 16 meters. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk costs approximately $21 million.

19. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-8

Mi-8 is a Soviet/Russian multi-purpose helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M.L. Mile. It is the most popular twin-engine helicopter in the world. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 260 kilometers per hour. The length of the model is approximately 18 m, and the wingspan is 21 meters. The model made its first flight in 1967.

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subscribe to the channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC77Vn2lK0BWl4EqNZNUkgxQ Vkontakte community https://vk.com/club103057662 The attack helicopter is a universal fighting machine, capable of hitting armored and unarmored vehicles, manpower and even enemy air targets. The main role of attack helicopters on the battlefield is to destroy enemy armored vehicles, both as part of ground combat groups in the role of air support, and as independent assault groups. We present to your attention the top 5 most powerful attack helicopters in the world. The rating of combat helicopters consists of: 1. HAL LCH - representative army aviation India 2. Eurocopter Tiger (Eurocopter Tiger/Tiger) - combat helicopter of France and Germany 3. Bell AH-1Z Viper (Bell AH-1Z "Viper") - modern American attack aircraft 4. AH-64D apache longbow AH-64 (Apache, Apache ) - a flying fortress made in the USA 5. Ka-52 Alligator is the best helicopter in Russia, and possibly the best heavy attack aircraft in the world. Russian helicopters perform with dignity on the world stage. In the first part of the ranking of the best military attack aircraft you will see the following machines: 5. Changhe Z-10 - Chinese attack helicopter 4. Mi-24 Russian attack helicopter (Soviet attack aircraft) 3. Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (African Kestrel) - combat helicopter South Africa 2. Agusta A 129 “Mangusta (Agusta A129 Mongoose) - military helicopter of Italy and Great Britain 1. Bell AH-1 Super Cobra (super cobra) - American military helicopter combat vehicle USA This is the list of the best combat flying machines in the world. Don’t forget to share in the comments which are the best helicopters in your opinion. Attack helicopters can be difficult targets; the Defender, for example, has a main rotor diameter of just over 8 meters. Such sighting systems increasingly common in combat helicopters. Marine helicopter designs range from small to large anti-submarine helicopters, which have two crews: flight and combat. Most naval helicopters must be compact enough to operate not only from aircraft carriers, but also from other smaller ships. The newest large multifunctional machine in this class - the European Westland/Agusta EH.101 - is the same size as the Sea King, although 50 percent heavier and more powerful. Among the latest innovations is the American combat Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche. It is slightly smaller, but much lighter than the AN-64 Apache, and is armed with a three-barreled 20mm Lockheed Martin cannon mounted in the nose. Other new helicopters: Denel CSH-2 Royale in South Africa, European Tiger and Tiger in Germany and France; "Urocopter Fennec" and "Panther" in France; "Kamov" Ka-50 and Ka-52, and "Mil" Mi-28 in Russia; NH Industries NH90 in France, Germany, Italy

Since July 1961, more than 17 thousand Mi-8 helicopters and its modifications have been produced. Because of its reliability, the machine is a welcome guest in more than 50 countries around the world, because it is able to cope with tasks in almost any conditions - from Africa to the Far North. The popularity of the Mi-8 is really justified: unpretentious, simple, versatile the helicopter is capable of coping with a full range of tasks. Your place in top-10 the best helicopters peace The Mi-8 earned another personal unbroken record - climbing to a height of 8100 meters in 13 minutes.

MI-26 - the largest

Created in 1977, the helicopter received the unkind nickname “Cow”, although “ant” would be more suitable for it, because with its take-off weight of 49,650 kg it is designed to be able to carry loads exceeding their own weight. According to calculations, the helicopter was supposed to carry up to 80 fully equipped paratroopers. But the brave Soviet leadership did not care about the calculations and loaded up to 150 people into the car. And the most paradoxical thing: the “Cow” took off with such a full “belly”. It was this record-breaking vehicle that was entrusted with transporting a 25-tonne truck on an external sling in 1999. ice block containing a 23,000-year-old mammoth from Siberia. During the liquidation of the consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, these giants, overloaded with additional lead protection, on elongated external slings (so as not to raise radiation dust) were engaged in the fourth block installation work of unimaginable complexity. At the end of the operation, the helicopter pilots, with tears in their eyes, escorted all their “combat friends” to burial in the Exclusion Zone.

LOCKHEED AN-56 CHEYENNE - the fastest

Released in 1967 in the USA, this helicopter developed speed up to 393 km/h and was created to provide fire cover for its powerful fellow helicopter, the Chinook. Formally, the Cheyenne is not even a helicopter, since it has a pushing propeller. And super-speed (according to some sources, more than 400 km/h) was due to the use of small wings, which allowed the rotorcraft not to lean forward and avoid excessive drag. It’s a pity that the fate of this record holder of the top 10 helicopters in the world was short-lived: an incident with a blade that came off, pierced the canopy and killed the pilot, forced the military to withdraw the high-speed helicopter from the series. The hingeless design of the propeller turned out to be to blame for everything, but the warriors did not have time to debrief the flights - realities were pressing on deadlines.

BELL UH-1 - the most legendary

“Iroquois” - an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War The UH-1, nicknamed “Huey”, became a favorite not only of the American military, but of everyone movie lovers, because without this proud profile with the figure of a soldier, his legs carelessly dangling overboard, not a single decent Hollywood film about the war can do. Tenaciously beautiful the helicopter was so successful that its series includes more than 16 thousand vehicles. Veterans warmly remember how the Huey became their home, a flying “warehouse” with provisions and a long-awaited transport for evacuating the wounded. During the hostilities, 3,000 vehicles did not return to base, but this helicopter was still considered successful, because the “hard worker” made so many forays behind enemy lines that there was one loss for every 18 thousand sorties! And this despite the fact that the Huey was not even protected by armor.

KA-50 - the most maneuverable

"Black Shark" - the Soviet "answer to Chamberlain" latest developments American aviation industry, this 1982 helicopter did not manage to become legendary (now it has been replaced by an updated modification of the Ka-52), but it managed to appear among the record holders. The coaxial screw pattern allows the “Black Shark” to perform figures aerobatics, including "Dead Loop" and unique "Funnel": maintaining guidance on the target, at 180 km/h the helicopter moves around it in a sideways slip with a constant negative pitch angle of up to 35 degrees, dodging enemy air defenses.

MI-24 - the most versatile

This heavily armed Rostov comrade, nicknamed “Crocodile,” became a real nightmare for the opponents of the Soviets in the East: the Mujahideen fled in horror at the mere sound of “Shaitan-Arba.” The “flying infantry fighting vehicle” could land troops and independently provide them with fire cover. From a technical point of view, the Mi-24 is a hybrid of a helicopter and an airplane, because it has wings that provide it with at least a quarter of its lift. Armored Predator cold war fought on three continents.

RAH-66 "COMANCHE" - the most secretive

In 1996, the Boeing/Sikorsky concern released this invisible aircraft into the sky. Flat outer surfaces of the fuselage, made using stealth technology, are partially manufactured made of composite materials with special radio-absorbing coatings. All the weapons of this reconnaissance and attack helicopter are also hidden inside. This miracle of technology is worth looking at at least once and... forgetting, because the military of the 21st century decided that most of the Comanche’s functions could be better handled by drones, and after admiring as many as two prototypes of the vehicle, they closed the project.

AN-54 "APACH" - the most sensational

The 1975 American Apache is the main attack helicopter of the US Army. This triumphal procession " important bird"started with high-profile operation "Desert Storm", and then continued it during the Iraq War in the 2000s. The key to the success of the AN-64 is its camouflage capabilities (including sound), extreme accuracy (a modern radar from 120 selected targets identifies the 16 most dangerous and delivers a targeted strike) and the ability to conduct night combat due to excellent night vision equipment.

CH-47 CHINOOK - the most spectacular

In 1961 American Boeing released this into the sky from industrial rails "flying carriage", as the CH-47 was nicknamed behind the scenes. Huge 18-meter rotors rotating in opposite sides, make it possible to do without a tail rotor. The ferry range of the helicopter is such that it is quite capable of coveringAtlantic Oceanfrom Brazil to Liberia. Heavyweight can carry 105 mm field gun, which allows the US Army to be more mobile in mountainous terrain and sudden weather changes. The Chinook's transport record is 147 people. The “Vagon” itself tried to stay away from the battle, because the clumsy helicopter needed fire cover. However, he coped with his transport mission with a bang: during the Vietnam War, Chinooks evacuated equipment worth $3 billion.

BOEING A160 “HUMMINGBRI” - the most “smart”

Modern drone 2002 made it possible to finally remove the weakest link from flights - the pilot. From now on, helicopters can fly faster, further, and climb higher (this “bird” flies to 9,000 meters). The Hummingbird is controlled independently, in accordance with combat missions along the route. True, this helicopter is still just a prototype, but according to experts, it is the future. Therefore, “Kolibri” gets its rightful place in the top 10 helicopters in the world.