The helicopter is today the most effective means used for logistical support, in military operations and rescue operations. From the first in World War II through the Vietnam War to the present day, the best helicopters have 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. It 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. The South African Air Force operates only 12 AH-2 Rooivalk helicopters. 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-bladed 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

Ka-50 "Black Shark" - single-seat attack Russian helicopter, with a distinctive coaxial rotor system created by the Kamov Design Bureau. 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. Maximum speed 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 Gulf War. Designed to perform military missions, day or night, in adverse weather conditions, the Apache was created to meet the demanding requirements of the US Army's advanced attack helicopter plans. The helicopter is equipped with the latest level of electronics and fire control system, and has unique firepower. The Apache can be equipped with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, air missiles 76 70 mm, in combination with the M 230 automatic cannon.

Rotorcraft have become widespread nowadays. Combat helicopters, which first took part in military operations during the Korean War, significantly influenced combat tactics. Thus, all armies of developed countries began to use helicopters. 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 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 was used in the Falklands War and was very successful. Lynxes were also used in the combat zone on the Balkan Peninsula, to blockade the coast of Yugoslavia and in 1991 in Iraq, where they were used to sink landing ship, 4 border patrol boats, a T-43 minesweeper and a missile boat.
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. If you look at the transportation of military personnel, 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 any other 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. An interesting fact is that during the Vietnam War, Chincoki evacuated damaged equipment totaling $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 up to 40% of the lifting force is created with the help of pylons placed to the sides. 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.

The creation of the Mi-24 implemented the idea of ​​a “flying infantry fighting vehicle”, so it contains a powerful weapon system that is 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 Steel, 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 a minesweeper (MH-53 modification) and was used during search and rescue operations (HH-53 modification). 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. Although the combat losses of this helicopter are rather large (about 3000 units), the 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 57 mm caliber rockets 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, mine layer, 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. Replace legendary helicopter nothing 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. Marine options are completed anti-ship missiles AGM-119 Penguin 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.

The Black Hawk is made of durable materials and equipped with the latest equipment, which allows it to be stored outside the hangar for a long time.

In this article we will discuss the best combat helicopters world, we will compile the TOP 10 most combat-ready, maneuverable and high-speed vehicles that have repeatedly proven their superiority on the battlefield.

Combat helicopter - aerial combat unit, which has high firepower, the main tasks of which are the destruction of ground targets and providing cover ground forces and disabling enemy armored vehicles.

Let's look at our list.

Tenth place

Our list of “The Best Helicopters in the World” opens with the first Chinese attack combat helicopter, the Z-10, which was adopted by the Chinese army in 2009.

The armament of this helicopter is a 30-mm machine gun mount, HJ-9 guided anti-tank missiles or the recently upgraded HJ-10. In addition to this, the helicopter is equipped with a unit of aviation unguided missiles and a TU-90 rocket launcher, which is designed to destroy air targets.

The vehicle's cabin is represented by two stages, the first contains the gunner, and the second contains the pilot.

Ninth place

Our TOP 10 best helicopters in the world continues with the Mi-24, which is equipped with a cargo cabin that can easily accommodate eight Air Force soldiers.

The vehicle has high mobility, flight speed is 335 km/h, which is achieved thanks to the unusual design of the wings.

The machine itself is universal; the helicopter can be equipped with various military weapon, it all depends on the task at hand.

The standard set of weapons is a GUV-1 machine gun mobile unit with an A-12.7 machine gun (number of rounds - 900 pieces), a S-5 NURS unit with a set of UB-32A NARs and 4 9M17 ATGMs, borrowed from the Phalanx anti-tank gun M."

Eighth place

AH-2 Rooivalk confidently takes eighth place in the list of "Best Helicopters in the World", translated from English name means "red kestrel".

The maximum speed of the car is 278 km/h.

Guns mounted on a combat vehicle:

• F-2 gun, 700 rounds of ammunition, caliber 20 x 139 mm.
• Mokopa ZT-6 air-to-ground missiles (8-16 pieces).
• Air-to-air missiles: Mistral (4 pieces).
• Unguided missiles FFAr.

Seventh place

Our top list of the best helicopters in the world continues with the American AH-1W, the so-called “Super Cobra”.

Unlike its classmates, the car has two engines with a power of 1285 kW. each, maximum - 282 km/h.

The gun mounted on the vehicle does not stand out in any way, a 20 mm cannon with a capacity of 750 rounds, air-to-ground and air-to-air. In addition to this, a complex of unguided missiles has been installed.

Sixth place

The T129/A129 helicopter, jointly created by Italy and Turkey, took sixth place in the list of “The Best Military Helicopters in the World.” This was the first fighting machine, entirely created in Western Europe.

The maximum developed speed of the vehicle is 250 km/h, the installed Royal-Royce engine, the take-off power of which is 881 hp. pp., developed by the Italian company "Agusta".

The machine guns with which the helicopter is equipped have a caliber of 2 x 7.62 or 12.7 mm.

Like all its brothers, the vehicle is equipped with a complex of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

Fifth place

The next place is occupied by the American attack aircraft AH-1Z.

The vehicle has good handling and is one of the first in terms of firing accuracy. The three-barreled cannon, whose caliber is 20 mm, is excellent for destroying ground targets.

In addition to conventional guided and unguided rocket launchers, cannon containers have been added to the combat arsenal. It is also possible to install 4 TOW ATGMs.

Number of engines - two, brand - AH-1S (-P) (Production). The power of one is 1285 kW.

The helicopter is in service with countries such as the USA, Iran, Thailand, Turkey, and China.

Fourth place

In front of the leaders of the list is an attack aircraft created by German-French engineers - the Eurocopter Tiger.

It is in service with countries such as Germany, Spain, France and Australia.

Compared to its classmates, the car has better camouflage, and the noise emitted while in motion is reduced to a minimum.

The engines installed on the attack aircraft have a power of 1303 hp. With. each, and the maximum flight speed is 278 km/h.

The gun is a 30 mm caliber cannon, there are also 4 mounting points for rocket launchers various types. In addition, the helicopter can be equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns; each magazine holds 250 rounds.

Third place

The list of leaders of the “Best Helicopters in the World” opens with the Russian development of the Mi-28-N, which received the nickname “Devastator”.

This model is an in-depth modification of the Mi-28 helicopter. The maneuverability and complexity of the aerial maneuvers performed in flight make the attack aircraft difficult to reach. For example, the so-called Immelmann rollover can be performed at a speed of 100 km/h.

All the most necessary and vital nodes have a duplicate and are located in different parts helicopter, which helps provide the vehicle with maximum survivability during combat operations.

The engine of the machine VK2500 has a power of 2200 hp. s., maximum speed 300 km/h.

The gun with which the helicopter is equipped has a caliber of 30 mm, and the helicopter is also equipped with a complex of guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.

Second place

Before you find out the best helicopter in the world, let's discuss the car that is in second place.

AH-64 Apache - an American attack helicopter, during combat it proved itself only with the best side. His combat power- one of the best helicopters of all time, this model is universal in its class.

In combat conditions, being in various weather conditions, the vehicle performed the most difficult combat missions.

The helicopter is equipped with 16 rocket launchers of various calibers and purposes. The machine gun has a caliber of 70 mm, which allows it to easily hit many lightly armored targets.

The engines have a power of 1890 hp. With. each, engine brand - AH-64A+/D.

First place

The Ka-50/52 is the best helicopter in the world, made in Russia. Got the nickname" Black shark"due to its extraordinary speed of movement, threatening shape, and the main trump card of the machine is its firepower, which is incomparable with any similar indicator of other helicopters in the world.

This model is a single-seat assault attack helicopter, into the creation of which a lot of effort has been invested. The main task of the designers was to develop best speed and maneuverability, the size of the helicopter is the smallest in its class, thanks to which it has the highest level of camouflage and is able to quickly change its location.

The Ka-50/52 has a maximum speed of 310 km/h, which is on average 20-30 km more than other vehicles on our list. Engine power is 2400 hp. s., its brand is TV3-117VMA.

The maximum weight of weapons that a helicopter can carry in one battle is two tons.

The gun is a 30 mm caliber cannon; the pilot has the ability to quickly switch between high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing types of shells. You can also adjust the firing rate from 350 to 550 rounds per minute. The helicopter is equipped with six pieces on each side.

It is possible to carry Kh-25 (air-to-air) and R-73 (air-to-air, homing) missiles.

Today, the Ka-50/52 remains 100% the leader among combat attack helicopters.

Conclusion

The list of “The Best Helicopters in the World” has ended, but we can say with confidence that our rating includes the best helicopters that have been tested by time and have been used in combat more than once.

The military industry does not stand still, perhaps new, more modernized helicopters are already rushing to replace the “veterans,” but all the attack aircraft that were mentioned today have already left their mark on history.

The Ka-52 Alligator is the best attack helicopter in the world. Its unconventional layout, fantastic maneuverability and powerful weapon even the legendary AN-64 Apache is left far behind the flag, not to mention other vehicles. Details in our review.

Invisible Dragon

The Changhe Z-10 attack helicopter is one of the few examples of Chinese military equipment created on our own. Well, or almost. This decision was caused by the inability (due to US sanctions) to buy a modern combat helicopter abroad and copy it as usual. However, when the Z-10 acquired its shape and characteristics, it turned out that foreign countries still helped the Chinese Helicopter Engineering Institute.

Lacking modern turboshaft engines, China bought 10 engines for a pilot batch of helicopters from Pratt-Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., which was severely fined by the American authorities for supplying military technologies to China. According to official information, production models of the Z-10 are equipped with Chinese-made engines, developed with the participation of Russian and Ukrainian specialists.

The French company Eurocopter developed the main rotor, and the Italian Agusta developed the transmission. The embargo was circumvented because, according to documents, the units were created for a civilian helicopter. And when the first photographs of the Chinese helicopter appeared, it became obvious that the designers of the Celestial Empire had invented the Apache, the faceted fuselage of which hints at the use of stealth technologies.

The helicopter is equipped with a fly-by-wire control system and a “glass cockpit”, where instrument readings, aeronautical and combat conditions are displayed on multifunctional displays. It also has a helmet-mounted targeting information system. The nose of the Z-10 is equipped with an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder and a night flight camera.

Changhe's main armament is eight HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, an analogue of the American AGM-114 Hellfire ATGM. The helicopter is also equipped with a 30-mm cannon in the nose turret, unguided rockets and light air-to-air missiles to protect against air attack. In general, 30-year-old American technology, driven by low-power engines, may impress neighbors (who don’t have such a thing), but are not able to really resist the best cars in this class.

African crocodile

The South African Super Hind, manufactured by ATE, is one of numerous upgrades of the Soviet Mi-24, which were supplied by the hundreds to developing countries. The story of Hind specifically began with 40 Algerian helicopters transferred to South Africa for renovation. Compared to the Mi-24, its African descendant has a modified nose. The visibility from the cockpit has been improved, and new radio-electronic equipment has been installed. The centering of the vehicle has shifted back, resulting in improved maneuverability - especially when flying at ultra-low altitudes while avoiding obstacles.

The weight of the car has decreased by two tons. The crew is protected by Kevlar armor and equipped with multifunctional displays to obtain operational information. The Soviet 30-mm cannon in the nose of the helicopter was replaced by a 20-mm South African one with high speeds and pointing angles. In the top-end configuration, the Super Hind is equipped with a helmet-mounted visor, which allows the pilot to control both the sighting system and the weapons with his gaze.

The helicopter is capable of using a wide range of Russian and South African weapons. The main strike weapons are Ingwe ATGMs - eight missiles can be placed in two launchers under the wings. During testing, more than 400 ATGMs were fired and 90 percent of them hit targets.

A decent car, and simply first-class for the African continent. But, despite all its advantages, the Mi-24 (Crocodile in air force slang) is a machine of yesterday. Especially if it’s not Russian guys flying it.

Plastic tiger

The creation of the Italo-Franco-German drum Eurocopter helicopter Tiger was prevented by collapse Soviet Union and conclusion Soviet troops from Germany. The likelihood that the “Russians will come” decreased sharply and Germany immediately halved the plan for purchasing Tigers. France then switched financial flows from the Eurocopter to its own, named Jaffe (Cochet). Nevertheless, in 1994 the design of the machine was finally approved and it went into production.

The Tiger's fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar. Much attention paid to survivability - the helicopter can easily withstand hits from 23-mm Shilka ZSU shells. The transmission gearbox can operate for 30 minutes without lubrication, and its excessive strength makes it insensitive to 12.7 mm bullets. The fixed three-post landing gear is capable of withstanding a hard landing with a vertical speed of up to 6 meters per second.

The cabin is two-seater, tandem: the pilot sits in front, the operator behind him. Their seats are shock-absorbing and armored. Tiger turned out to be the first production helicopter with liquid crystal displays, allowing readings to be read in any lighting conditions. The combined threat warning system is sensitive to both radar and laser beams. The crew is provided with helmet-mounted sights to control their weapons.

As for the weapons themselves, each country participating in the project has its own. Common only 30mm automatic cannon. On four hardpoints under the wings, the Tiger can carry eight Franco-German HOT ATGMs or the same number of Hellfires and four defensive anti-aircraft missiles"Mistral" or "Stinger". Instead of ATGMs, you can hang blocks with 22 unguided missiles, heavy machine guns and additional fuel tanks.

Despite the high technology and general production culture, the fate of the Eurocopter cannot be called enviable. The German Ministry of Defense declared the Tiger unfit for use due to numerous defects and shortcomings. 22 vehicles armed with AGM-114 Hellfire were purchased by Australia for subsequent modernization and adaptation. India and Saudi Arabia showed interest in purchasing helicopters, but the deal did not materialize.

Apache Chief

The army aviation of the USA, Great Britain, Israel, the Netherlands and Japan uses various modifications of the legendary AH-64 Apache. According to the terms of reference of the US Department of Defense formulated in 1972, the new vehicle was supposed to fight tanks in conditions of active counteraction to air defense and electronic warfare at any time of the day and in any weather, have good maneuverability, high survivability and autonomy. All US helicopter and a number of aircraft companies participated in the development of the attack helicopter; it took 12 years to fine-tune it; the Apache was accepted into service in 1984.

The leading edges of the main rotor blades are made of titanium - it can withstand light contact with trees and other obstacles, which is necessary for low-level flight around obstacles. Two 1625 horsepower turboshaft engines are separated and interchangeable. To reduce noise levels, the tail rotor is made X-shaped, and its blades are installed at different angles: each of them suppresses part of the noise produced by the previous one. The main struts of the fixed landing gear are equipped with powerful shock absorbers that can absorb impact energy during an emergency landing at a vertical speed of 12 meters per second.

The main armament of the AN-64 is the Hellfire ATGM, which operates on a fire-and-forget basis. The aiming and navigation system automatically locks on targets and fires at them. The module rotating in two planes on the nose of the helicopter has infrared and television cameras, as well as a laser range finder. Another system allows you to fly blind at any altitude. Information from its sensors is displayed on a color display and a helmet-mounted indicator.

The Apaches received their baptism of fire in Iraq. It was these helicopters that fired the first shots of Desert Storm, firing Hellfires at two Iraqi air defense radars in the suburbs of Baghdad on the night of January 17, 1991. Both radars were destroyed. Next, the AN-64s supported the ground operation, shooting down Iraqi tanks. According to various sources, the Apaches burned from 278 to 500 combat vehicles.

During the second war in Iraq and its occupation by American troops, weak points helicopter. The AN-64 is protected from machine gun fire and small-caliber anti-aircraft guns, but is defenseless against MANPADS - especially when flying at low altitude over city blocks, where the helicopter does not have time to perform an anti-aircraft maneuver. In total, about fifty Apaches were lost in Iraq - some of them were burned by partisans while firing mortars at American Air Force locations.

Currently in service is the Longbow modification. It is distinguished from the previous one by a powerful radar located above the main rotor and improved electronics. In particular, the integrated fire control system allows one helicopter from the group to observe targets and direct ATGMs fired by other vehicles from cover at them.

Symmetrical answer

No matter how good the Apache is - and it is really good and will remain NATO's main attack helicopter for the coming decades - it is far from being compared to the Russian Ka-52 Alligator. It is simply incorrect to compare them, since these are machines of different generations - like Farman and PAK FA: they perform the same tasks, but the difference is obvious.

Thanks to the coaxial design with two main rotors, the Ka-52 has fantastic maneuverability - it can fly backwards at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, and sideways at 100 kilometers per hour. The Alligator's maximum speed is also the best in its class - 370 km/h. The machine is capable of performing aerobatics that are not possible with classical helicopters. What is the “Funnel” figure worth when the Ka-52 circles over the target, constantly turning its nose towards it and pouring continuous fire on it. The helicopter is also capable of performing airplane aerobatics: rolls, oblique loops and other elements.

Coaxial propellers provided the Ka-52 with true all-weather capability - it can fly against a hurricane at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour, clearly maintaining its route and location according to satellite navigation. The take-off power of each of the two engines is 2500 horsepower; if one engine fails, the other produces up to 2800. There is a surge recovery mode and automatic start after the engine stops in the air.

The surveillance, aerobatic and search and targeting systems are integrated into a single digital complex with an on-board computer, a defense complex and three radio stations. The Ka-52 is capable of detecting, tracking and firing at targets (including subtle ones) at any time of the day and in thick fog. The on-board electronics have an open architecture, allowing you to install new ones if necessary. software without replacing hardware.

The Alligator is armed with a Whirlwind ATGM with a laser guidance system and a tandem warhead. The missile penetrates 900 mm armor, regardless of active protection. The first stage of the warhead is reflected by the protection, and the second stage burns through any tank from any projection, creating a local hell inside. With a series of "Whirlwinds" the helicopter covers four targets in 30 seconds. The Americans have such characteristics so far only on paper - in a promising system ordered by DAPRA.

For dealing with lightly armored targets, radars and anti-aircraft installations The Ka-52 has a 30mm automatic cannon. It is located near the center of mass, which increases shooting accuracy, speed and maneuverability of the vehicle. The shells penetrate 15 mm armor at a distance of 1500 meters at an impact angle of 60 degrees - an unattainable indicator in the world. No other air gun in the world is capable of this.

The Alligator's cabin is armored, the fuel system is protected from explosion and fire. Experiments have shown that a helicopter can continue to fly even if the tail unit is completely destroyed, while the Apache gets out of control if the tail rotor is damaged. If both engines fail, the Ka-52 plans to autorotate. The hard landing is compensated for by shock absorbers and landing gear struts, an armored nose section and crushable blocks under the seats. Ejection seats are designed taking into account helicopter specifics. IN emergency situation strips of explosives tear through the cockpit glazing, and the propeller blades are shot off.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has ordered 240 Ka-52 helicopters, more than 50 have already entered service with the troops. More than a hundred "Alligators" will be put into service navy- to support landings and hunt ships of small and medium tonnage.

The helicopter is very effective means for delivery of goods (especially to hard-to-reach places), for rescuing people, and also for use for military purposes, including as a strike weapon. From their first appearance during World War II to the present day, helicopters have been an indispensable tool in military conflicts.

We have prepared for you a list of the ten best attack helicopters in the world. The helicopters were evaluated on several characteristics, including avionics, maneuverability, speed and firepower.

#10

CAIC WZ-10

Attack helicopter CAIC WZ-10 (China)

CAIC WZ-10- China's first attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit. It was adopted by the Chinese army in 2011. This helicopter was developed with the help of Russian Kamov Design Bureau.

The helicopter has a standard configuration, with a narrow fuselage and a tandem cabin. Weapons in CAIC WZ-10 may consist of a 23 mm cannon, guided and unguided air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles.

CAIC WZ-10 equipped with two turboshaft engines with a power of 1285 hp. every. The maximum speed of the helicopter is more than 300 km/h. The body is made using stealth technology.

#9

Mi-24

This is the first Soviet attack helicopter, which was released in 1971 and was actively used in various military conflicts. Over the entire period, more than 3,500 units of this machine were produced in various modifications.

Mi-24 was the Soviet analogue AN-64 Apache, but unlike Apatch and other Western helicopters, the Mi-24 is also capable of carrying up to eight passengers.

Maximum speed Mi-24 in horizontal flight it is 335 km/h. The helicopter is equipped with various small arms and cannon weapons, depending on the modification. It can also be equipped with various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and unguided missiles or various bomb weapons.

#8

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

This helicopter is produced in South Africa company Denel Aerospace Systems. In South Africa Air Force only 12 attack helicopters are operational Denel AH-2 Rooivalk. And, although they look like completely new machines, their production was nevertheless based on helicopters Aerospatiale Puma. In particular, the Denel AH-2 Rooivalk uses the same engines and main rotor.

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk equipped with two turboshafts power plants Turbomeca Makila 1K2 with a power of 1376 kW each.
The maximum speed of the Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is 309 km/h.

The helicopter is equipped with a 20 mm cannon with 700 rounds, as well as guided and unguided missiles.

#7

Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is a twin-engine US Army helicopter based on the single-engine helicopter AH-1 Cobra. Created back in the early 1980s, this helicopter is the main attack helicopter for the US Marine Corps.

The helicopter's power plant consists of two turboshaft engines General Electric T700-GE-401 with a power of 1285 kW each.
The maximum speed of the helicopter is 282 km/h.

The helicopter is equipped with a 20-mm cannon with 750 rounds of ammunition, guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as unguided missiles and bombs.