Rotary-wing machines have gained wide distribution at the present time. Combat helicopters, which first took part in military operations during the Korean War, significantly influenced the tactics of warfare. 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 providing fire support to infantry.

The best helicopter in our understanding is a perfect aircraft capable of successfully fulfilling the tasks assigned to it in various conditions to the limit of its capabilities. In the ranking best helicopters of the world there are only options military aviation, which have been rigorously tested in hot spots.

We offer you to get acquainted with the ten best helicopters

10th place - Mi-26

• Soviet heavy transport helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1977.
• 310 units produced.
• Carrying capacity - 80 paratroopers or 20 tons of cargo.

This helicopter is the largest in the world. Achieving unique capabilities required the use of original technical solutions. The car was equipped with an eight-bladed main rotor, a multi-threaded power transmission, and three video cameras to monitor the load placed on an external sling. The helicopter was used during the liquidation of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It was used to install 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 multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1971.
• Released 400 units.
• It is capable of carrying 10 paratroopers and hanging weapons in the form of 4 anti-ship missiles (sea version) or 70-mm Hydra rockets, 20-mm cannons and up to 8 anti-tank missiles (land version).

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

8th place - Boeing CH-47 Chinook

• Military transport heavy helicopter of the longitudinal scheme.
• First taken to the sky in 1961.
• 1179 units produced.
• Carrying 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, then helicopters play a significant role in this process. Especially in such a movement there was a need during the Vietnam War - the mountainous terrain and large temperature drops prevented the transfer of soldiers in another way. The Chinook helicopter came to the rescue of the soldiers, which was created according to the original longitudinal scheme using two rotors. During rescue operations in Vietnam, a record was set - 147 refugees were taken on board a helicopter. This device received the slang nickname "flying car". He was not thrown onto the battlefield, the specialization of the CH-47 was to transport cargo from ships to land bases. Interesting fact that during the Vietnam War, the Chinkoks evacuated damaged equipment for a total of $ 3 billion.

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

7th place - Bell AH-1 Cobra

• Attack helicopter.
• First taken to the sky in 1965.
• Issued 1116 copies.
• Equipped with the following weapons: a remote-controlled installation with 2 Minigun machine guns, 70-mm NURSs, 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 originally designed as an attack helicopter. Side projections of the control cabin protected 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 contributes to its deployment on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

6th place - Mi-24

• Transport and military aircraft.
• First taken to the air in 1969.
• More than 2000 units released.
• It is equipped with built-in weapons in the form of a four-barreled machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber and suspended weapons: NURSs, free-fall bombs, suspended cannon containers, 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 is that the Mi-24 is not able to hover in one place and take off without acceleration. Large pylons play the role of aircraft wings, creating additional takeoff power. 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 according to the "aircraft" technique. During the decline in lift, it is necessary to lower the nose somewhat, as on an airplane.

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

The helicopter participated 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.
• Issued 115 units.
• Carrying 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 Stalyen", built to meet the needs of the US Navy. To the original design, the developers added a third engine and a seven-bladed rotor. The CH-53E helicopter was nicknamed the "hurricane maker".

Also, a dead loop was made on it. In addition to transport missions, the flying boat was used as a 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 be in flight for a whole day. In addition to operations on the water, it was actively used in ground missions. CH-53 and CH-53E carried out fire support for foot troops in Afghanistan and Iran.

4th place - Bell UH-1

• Multi-purpose combat helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1956.
• Over 16,000 units produced.
• Able to place on board up to 14 paratroopers or 1.5 tons of cargo.

This rotorcraft has become 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 the second, supplied the military with provisions and food, provided fire support and took out the wounded. Although the combat losses of this helicopter are rather big (about 3000 units), the combat use can be called successful. During the 11 years of the war, according to statistics, 36 million sorties were made. Thus, the losses amounted to 1 helicopter per 18,000 sorties - an impressive result, especially considering that this device has no armor at all.
Before the release of the Cobras, it was he who was entrusted with the task of delivering strike operations. To do this, the car was equipped with a pair of machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber and 48 unguided rockets on the suspension.
Bell UH-1 joined the ranks of the armies of 70 countries of the world. He is often shown in various Hollywood action films.

3rd place - Mi-8

• Multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1961.
• Over 17,000 units produced.
• Carrying 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 include free-fall bombs, 57 mm unguided rockets and an anti-tank complex.

Although the helicopter was created more than half a century ago, it is still in demand, gathering buyers from all regions of the world. In total, there are three dozen military and civilian modifications. It is operated as a reconnaissance helicopter, a minelayer, a tanker, an air command post and an ambulance helicopter. Civilian variants are registered with airlines, 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 - Boeing AH-64 Apache

• Attack helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1975.
• Issued 1174 units.
• The built-in armament is represented by a 30 mm automatic cannon. 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 operated by the Israeli Air Force.
Most likely, the Russian Mi-28N will have to replace the Apache in the Israeli army, which has the best performance characteristics and won the tender for delivery 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 on this issue for updating the entire fleet of these helicopters to the Longbow version.

1st place- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

• Multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1974.
• Issued 3000 units.
• Carrying capacity - 1.5 tons of cargo on board and up to 4 tons on an external sling. The landing variant can accommodate up to 14 soldiers.
• Armed with two machine guns and four weapon suspension points. The armament 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.

"Black hawk" can be safely called a helicopter of the 21st century. It was intended to replace the Iroquois, while a marine version was being developed in parallel. The result is a unique helicopter that is suitable for any kind of troops and has the best performance 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 hydroacoustic station and a magnetometer), a modification of the HH-60, released for special combat rescue operations, many ambulance 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 built from durable materials and equipped with the latest equipment, which makes it possible to store it outside the hangar for a long time.

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 latest versions"Supercobras" in 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 Mil Design Bureau - the most experienced helicopter design office 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 that can withstand hits 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 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 was accumulated combat use attack helicopters.

The Germans and French believed that the basis for the survival of combat aircraft the future will 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. However, a helicopter designed for 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. Modification of the Mi-28N "Night hunter" received the entire complex of avionics for combat in various weather conditions and night time. 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. On the this moment produced more than a hundred of these helicopters. 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 spaced as far as possible 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 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 anti-aircraft systems short-range "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.

Thousands of helicopters - from small ones, weighing several tens of kilograms, to multi-ton giants - regularly surf the expanses of the air ocean. A helicopter, unlike an airplane, does not need airfields, as it is able to take off, land vertically, move horizontally at different speeds and hang in the air in one place. Such properties of the helicopter make it a valuable, and in some cases, completely irreplaceable machine.

Helicopters carry passengers and cargo to remote villages that are located among forests or mountains, find schools of fish in the sea, and help in the fight against forest fires and floods. With their help, they successfully control field pests, carry out gravimetric and geophysical surveys of the terrain, check high-voltage power lines for serviceability, etc. last years they are systematically used as cranes on construction sites, when laying pipelines, and so on. Helicopters are an important part of the air force in many countries around the world. Scientists all over the world are responsible for the creation of the scientific theory of helicopters, without which it would be impossible to achieve such success in modern helicopter engineering.

Traditionally, the entire helicopter market is divided into two parts: civil and military. The civilian one, in turn, contains helicopters of government agencies and commercial companies that provide emergency assistance and public safety. Rapidly developing areas of the civil sector are transport helicopters with luxury cabins for flights of VIPs and helicopters for servicing offshore oil platforms.

The civilian spectrum of the market far exceeds the military one. However, in real monetary terms, according to experts, military helicopters account for more than 70 percent of the contract value of deliveries. The main reason for this is the widespread aging of past generations of military helicopters. Many countries of the world have approached the cyclical need for a global renewal of their helicopter fleets.

Russian helicopters

Despite all the crises, our helicopter industry is still developing, albeit not as fast as we would like, but, most importantly, there is a progressive trend. Helicopter sales volumes in well-known corporations of our country are constantly increasing. The introduction and implementation of many programs for the sale of new and modernization of existing aircraft continues successfully. For the effective development of the industry in the future, a constant increase in orders with state support is required.

Many holdings have a huge potential for development, since the domestic helicopter industry is one of the world's leaders. Many scientific and constructive solutions of Russian and Soviet designers are still used abroad. Our Mi-8, Mi-12 can be found in any camp. They have been incredibly popular for more than a dozen years.

Of course, far from everything has been achieved. We are facing serious challenges to reform the industry, which should entail financial and production performance. It is important that the Russian aircraft operator has the opportunity to buy the helicopter he needs. We need to expand our presence in the global helicopter market. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to overcome the technical gap from the world's leading aviation corporations, primarily in terms of equipping the industry with modern equipment.

The reconstruction of the Russian helicopter industry is a problem that has been boiling over for a long time and needs to be solved. Follow-up activities in a modern market economy, while maintaining the structure of the planned system, are much more complicated, but clear improvements are still noticeable.

Helicopters of the world

Helicopter technology is operated in more than 190 countries. As already mentioned, it is used for both military and civilian purposes.

The current situation in the helicopter industry is based on production and demand, which is provided by customers-operators. The global helicopter market has formed three main classes of aircraft:

• 1) heavy - more than 15 tons;
• 2) medium - 5−15 tons;
• 3) light - up to 5 tons.

But often a more detailed breakdown is used to classify the world park, and transitional models are also taken into account.

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the production and sale of helicopters. Over the past five years, more than 8,000 helicopters worth about $40 billion have been sold on the world market.

At the stage of creation and formation of the helicopter industry can be characterized by the following features: phasing and regional in its development. As you know, helicopters were widely used only in the 20th century. It should be noted 3 stages in development: formation, constant Soviet-American competition and the modern Euro-American stage.

As a result, today there are 4 regions for the creation and production of helicopters: European, American, Russia and countries former USSR, India-China.

Since the advent of helicopters, the scope of their operation has become very extensive. They are great for shipping. various kinds cargo or evacuation of the wounded, as well as for delivering accurate 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. It is 18 meters long and has a wingspan of 15 meters.

2. Multi-purpose helicopter - Westland Lynx

Westland Lynx

3. Attack helicopter - Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne

Westland Lynx- This is a British multi-purpose helicopter, which 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 allowable 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- This is an American multi-purpose reconnaissance and attack helicopter, which 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 is enough for about 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 Kasatka- This is a Russian multi-purpose military transport helicopter, the length of which is 16 m, and the wingspan is 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 is enough for an aircraft for approximately 615 kilometers.

6. Attack helicopter - Mi-24

Mi-24- This 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- This 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 it is about 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. The length of this sample is approximately 14 meters, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 510 km. He made his first flight on September 15, 1983. 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. He made his 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 of the longitudinal scheme. In the army of the United States of America, it replaced the CH-54 model and has been widely used since the early 1960s, being exported to 16 countries around the world. The length of this sample is approximately 30 meters. He made his first flight in 1962. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook costs about $35 million.

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

Bell UH-1 "Iroquois"- This is an American multi-purpose helicopter created by Bell Helicopter Textron. It is one of the most famous and massive machines in the history of helicopter construction. Serial production began in 1960. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine. He made his 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, while 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, while the flight range from one fully filled tank reaches about 800 kilometers. The maximum allowed 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"- This 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- This is an attack helicopter manufactured by the People's Republic of China. Developed with the participation of Russian scientists and specialists. 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, while 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- This is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by OKB M. L. Mil in the early 1960s. In 1965, mass production was launched in Poland. It is widely used to perform many civil and military tasks. Its length is 11m, and its wingspan is 14m. 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- This 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 16m, and its wingspan is 14m. 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. He made his first flight on June 17, 1982. The Ka-50 costs about 16 million US dollars.

18. Multipurpose helicopter - Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

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

19. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-8

Mi-8- This is a Soviet / Russian multi-purpose helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M.L. Mile. It is the most massive 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 18m, and the wingspan is 21 meters. The model made its first flight in 1967.

And aircraft lovers will surely be interested to look at these

The helicopter is very effective tool for the delivery of goods (especially to hard-to-reach places), for saving people, as well as for military use, including as strike weapons. From their first appearance during the Second World War 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. 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- the first Chinese attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit. It was adopted by the Chinese army in 2011. This helicopter was developed with the help of the Russian KB Kamov.

The helicopter has a standard configuration, with a narrow fuselage tandem cockpit. 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 1285 hp turboshaft engines. each. The maximum speed of the helicopter is over 300 km/h. The body is made using stealth technology.

#9

Mi-24

This is the first Soviet strike (attack helicopter), which was released in 1971 and was actively used in various military conflicts. For all the time, more than 3,500 units of this machine were produced in various modifications.

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

Max Speed Mi-24 in horizontal flight 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 rockets or various bomb weapons.

#8

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

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

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk equipped with two Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshaft power plants with a capacity 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 rockets.

#7

Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

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

The power plant of the helicopter consists of two turboshaft engines General Electric T700-GE-401 with a capacity 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 rockets and bombs.