Military helicopters are brutal predators that follow enemy units and protect allies.
Here are 9 helicopters that are most effective on the battlefield.
9 PHOTOS
1. Ka-52 "Alligator".
Capable of operating at high altitude and speed, the two-seat Ka-52 takes first place beating the Apache. The Alligator's anti-ship missiles have a better range than the Apache, and the helicopter boasts similar armour. The single-seat version, the Ka-50, is also deadly.
2. AH-64 Apache. The AH-64 is armed with a large number of weapons, including Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets and a 30mm automatic cannon. Additional Stinger or Sidewinder missiles turn it into an air-to-air platform. The most a new version, AH-64E Guardian, is more efficient, faster and can communicate with drones.
3. Mi-28N "Chaos". The night version of the Mi-28, the Chaos, carries anti-tank missiles that can penetrate a meter of armor. It also has mounts for 80mm rockets, five 122mm rocket launchers, 23mm cannons, 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine guns. It also has a 30mm cannon mounted under its nose.
4. Eurocopter Tiger. The tiger has thick armor. It is equipped with a 30mm cannon, 70mm rockets and a wide range anti-tank missiles.
5.Z-10. The Z-10 has a high ceiling of about 6100 meters and carries anti-tank missiles, TY-90 air-to-air missiles and a 30mm cannon. The Z-10 was originally seen as a triumph for the Chinese defense industry, but it was actually designed by Russian manufacturer Kamov, the company behind the Ka-52 and Ka-50.
6. T-129. An updated version of the Italian A-129, the T-129 is a Turkish helicopter armed with rugged UMTAS anti-tank missiles and Stinger missiles.
7. Mi-24 Hind. Mi-24 is excellent against infantry. Several machine guns up to 30 mm can destroy enemy troops, and thick armor gives almost immunity from ground fire.
8.AH-1Z Viper. 9. AH-2 Rooivalk. The AH-2 is a South African helicopter that uses many advantages to survive threats on the battlefield. While he is in the air, he fires TOW or ZT-6 Mokopa anti-tank missiles.
In this article, we will discuss the best combat helicopters in the world, make the TOP-10 of the most combat-ready, maneuverable and high-speed vehicles that have proven their superiority on the battlefield more than once.
A combat helicopter is an air combat unit with high firepower, the main tasks of which are to destroy ground targets, provide cover for ground forces and disable enemy armored vehicles.
Let's go back to our list.
Tenth place
Opening our "Best Helicopters in the World" list is China's first attack helicopter, the Z-10, which was adopted by the Chinese military in 2009.
The armament of this helicopter is a 30-mm machine gun mount, guided anti-tank missiles of the HJ-9 brand or the recently upgraded HJ-10. In addition to this, the helicopter is equipped with a block of aviation unguided missiles and a TU-90 rocket launcher, which is designed to destroy air targets.
The cabin of the machine is represented by two steps, in the first there is a shooter, in the second - a pilot.
ninth place
Continues our TOP-10 of the best helicopters in the world Mi-24, which is equipped with a cargo compartment, where eight Air Force fighters can easily fit.
The machine has high mobility, the flight is 335 km / h, which is achieved due to the unusual design of the wings.
The machine itself is universal, various military weapon, it all depends on the task at hand.
The standard set of weapons is a machine-gun mobile installation of the GUV-1 brand with an A-12.7 machine gun (the number of rounds is 900 pieces), a NURS S-5 block with a set of NAR UB-32A and 4 ATGM 9M17, borrowed from the anti-tank installation "Falanga- M.
Eighth place
AH-2 Rooivalk confidently takes eighth place in the list of "The Best Helicopters in the World", translated from English the name means "red kestrel".
The maximum speed of the car is 278 km/h.
Weapons 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 FAr.
Seventh place
The American AH-1W, the so-called "Super Cobra", continues our top list of the best helicopters in the world.
Unlike classmates, the car has two engines, the power of which is 1285 kW. each, maximum - 282 km / h.
The gun mounted on the vehicle does not stand out in any way, a 20mm 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, occupied the sixth place in the list of "The best military helicopters in the world". It was the first combat vehicle entirely built in Western Europe.
The maximum developed speed of the machine is 250 km / h, the installed Royal-Royce engine, the take-off power of which is 881 hp. with., developed by the Italian company "Agusta".
The machine guns that the helicopter is equipped with have a caliber of 2 x 7.62 or 12.7 mm.
Like all brothers, the machine 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 machine has good controllability and occupies one of the first places in terms of accuracy of firing. The triple-barreled 20mm cannon is great for destroying ground targets.
Cannon containers have been added to the combat arsenal in addition to conventional guided and unguided rocket launchers. 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 United States, Iran, Thailand, Turkey, China.
Fourth place
Before the leaders of the list is an attack aircraft created by German-French engineers - Eurocopter Tiger.
It is in service with countries such as Germany, Spain, France and Australia.
In comparison with classmates, the car has better camouflage, and the noise emitted in motion is reduced to a minimum.
The engines installed on the attack aircraft have a power of 1303 liters. With. each, and the maximum flight speed is 278 km / h.
The gun is a cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, there are also 4 points for hanging rocket launchers of various types. In addition, the helicopter can be equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns, each magazine holds 250 rounds.
Third place
Opening the list of leaders "The best helicopters in the world" is the Russian development of the Mi-28-N, which was nicknamed "the devastator".
This model is an in-depth revision of the Mi-28 helicopter. The maneuverability and complexity of the air figures performed in flight makes the attack aircraft difficult to reach. For example, the so-called or Immelmann coup can be performed at a speed of 100 km / h.
All the most necessary and vital components are duplicated and located in different parts of the helicopter, which helps to ensure maximum survivability of the vehicle during combat operations.
The engine of the machine VK2500 has a capacity of 2200 liters. with., maximum speed 300 km / h.
The gun that the helicopter is equipped with 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 get to know the best helicopter in the world, let's discuss the car that is in second place.
AH-64 Apache - American attack helicopter, during the conduct proved itself only with better side. Its combat power is one of the best among helicopters of all time, this model is universal in its class.
In combat conditions, being in various weather conditions, the machine 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 makes it easy to hit many lightly armored targets.
Engines have a capacity of 1890 liters. With. each, engine brand - AH-64A+/D .
First place
Ka-50/52 is the best Russian-made helicopter in the world. Got a nickname Black Shark"due to its extraordinary speed of movement, menacing form, and the 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 attack attack helicopter, in the creation of which a lot of effort has been invested. The main task of the designers was to develop the best speed and maneuverability, the size of the helicopter in its class is the smallest, thanks to which it has the most high level camouflage and is able to quickly change its location.
The Ka-50/52 has a top speed of 310 km/h, which is an average of 20-30 km more than the rest of the machines on our list. Engine power is 2400 hp. s., its brand is TV3-117VMA.
The maximum mass of weapons that a helicopter can carry in one battle is two tons.
The gun is a cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, the pilot has the ability to quickly switch between high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing types of projectiles. You can also adjust the rate of fire from 350 to 550 rounds per minute. The helicopter is equipped with six pieces on each side.
Possible suspension missiles X-25 ("air-to-air") and R-73 ("air-to-air", homing).
To date, the Ka-50/52 remains the 100% leader among combat attack helicopters.
Conclusion
So 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 more than once in hostilities.
The military industry does not stand still, perhaps new, more modernized helicopters are in a hurry to replace the "veterans", but all the attack aircraft that were mentioned today have already left their mark on history.
Helicopter - today it is the most effective remedy used for logistics, military operations and rescue operations. From the first in World War II, the Vietnam War, to the present day, the best helicopters have helped change the course of events on the battlefield. Here are the ten best combat helicopters in the world. Each is characterized by features of electronic equipment, speed characteristics, firepower. Also of interest is the list of the fastest helicopters and progressive jet fighters. This is a rating of the best combat helicopters in the world.
The Z-10 attack helicopter was commissioned by the Chinese army in 2008-2009. The Z-10 has the configuration of a conventional heavily armed helicopter, a narrow fuselage and a stepped two-seat cockpit. The gunner is on the front and the pilot is on the back. Armament of the Z-10 may consist of a 30mm machine gun mount, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to TOW-2A), newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to AGM-114 Hellfire) and TY-90 air-to-air missile. -air". It also carries a block of unguided aircraft missiles.
The Mi-24 is a specialized combat rotorcraft with a cargo cabin that can accommodate eight troops. The Mi-24 became the first Russian helicopter introduced into the Russian Air Force as an assault 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 combat 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 top combat helicopter derived 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/Turkey)
Agusta A129 Mongoose is an Italian combat helicopter originally designed and manufactured by Agusta. He became the first attack helicopter designed and produced exclusively in Western Europe. The Agusta Westland T-129 ATAK is a modified version of the A129 manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with Agusta Westland.
5. AH-1Z "Viper"
Spacious. Universal. Multipurpose. The latest generation of percussion technology. The Bell AH-1Z "Viper" is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W "Super Cobra" developed for the US Naval Infantry. It features four-blade propellers, composite rotor and rudder, modern engines and an improved aiming system. The AH-1Z is part of the H-1 modernization program. It is also called "Zulu Cobra" in another variation.
4. Eurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by the Eurocopter consortium. In Germany, France and Spain it is known as "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 that operates in all weather conditions, at any time of the day or night, two-seater. This specialized combat helicopter is better optimized and designed for combat purposes than the Mi-24. It carries one machine gun mount in the bow, as well as additional cargo 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 developed by Design Bureau Kamov. It was developed in the 80s. and adapted to 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 weight and size (thanks to which high speed and maneuverability developed), 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 this helicopter a worthy opponent to other combat helicopters. It is also equipped with a 30mm 2A42 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 Longbow
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 stringent requirements of plans to create advanced attack helicopters for the US Army. The helicopter is equipped with the latest level of electronics and fire control system, has a unique firepower. The Apache can be equipped with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire rockets, 76 70mm air rockets, combined with an M 230 autocannon.
Ka-52 "Alligator" is the best attack helicopter in the world. Its unconventional layout, fantastic maneuverability and powerful weapons leave even the legendary AN-64 Apache far behind the flag, not to mention other machines. Details in our review.
invisible dragon
The Changhe Z-10 attack helicopter is one of the few samples of the Chinese military equipment created in-house. Well, almost. This decision was caused by the impossibility (due to US sanctions) to buy a modern combat helicopter abroad and copy it as usual. However, when the Z-10 took shape and characteristics, it turned out that foreign countries still helped the Chinese Helicopter Institute.
Lacking modern turboshaft engines, China bought 10 engines for an experimental batch of helicopters from Pratt-Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., which was severely fined by the US authorities for supplying military technology to China. On serial samples of the Z-10, according to official information, Chinese-made engines developed with the participation of Russian and Ukrainian specialists are installed.
The French company "Eurocopter" developed the main rotor, and the Italian "Agusta" - the transmission. The embargo was circumvented, because according to the documents, the nodes were created for a civilian helicopter. And when the first photos of the Chinese helicopter appeared, it became obvious that the designers of the Celestial Empire invented the Apache, whose faceted fuselage 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, air navigation and combat conditions are displayed on multifunctional displays. It also has a helmet-mounted sighting and information system. The nose of the Z-10 has an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder and a camera for night flights.
The main armament of Changhe are eight HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, an analogue of the American AGM-114 Hellfire ATGM. Also, the helicopter is equipped with a 30-mm cannon in the nose turret, unguided missiles and light air-to-air missiles to defend against air attack. In general, 30-year-old American technology, driven by low-power engines, can impress neighbors (who don’t even have one), but can’t really resist the best cars in this class.
African crocodile
The South African Super Hind, manufactured by ATE, is one of the many upgrades of the Soviet Mi-24, delivered hundreds to developing countries. The history of the Hindu 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, new electronic equipment has been installed. The centering of the machine has shifted back, in connection with which maneuverability has improved - especially when flying at ultra-low altitudes with obstacle avoidance.
The weight of the car has decreased by two tons. The crew is protected by Kevlar armor and is equipped with multifunctional displays for operational information. The Soviet 30mm cannon in the nose of the helicopter was replaced by a 20mm South African one with high speeds and pointing angles. In the top configuration, the Super Hind is equipped with a helmet-mounted reticle, which allows the pilot to control both the surveillance and sighting system and weapons with a glance.
The helicopter is capable of using a wide range of Russian and South African weapons. The main strike weapons are the Ingwe ATGM - eight missiles can be placed in two launchers under the wings. During the tests, more than 400 ATGMs were fired and 90 percent of them hit their targets.
Decent car, and for the African continent just first-class. But, despite all its merits, the Mi-24 (Crocodile in air force slang) is the car of yesterday. Especially if not Russian guys fly on it.
plastic tiger
Collapse prevented the creation of the Italian-French-German attack helicopter Eurocopter Tiger Soviet Union and output Soviet troops from Germany. The likelihood that the "Russians will come" dropped sharply and Germany immediately halved the plan for the purchase of Tigers. Then France switched financial flows from the eurocopter to its own, named Jaffe (Kochet). Nevertheless, in 1994, the design of the machine was finally approved and it went into production.
The fuselage and wing of the "Tiger" is made of carbon fiber, fiberglass and Kevlar fairings. Much attention is paid to survivability - the helicopter can withstand hits from 23-mm shells from the Shilka ZSU without any problems. The transmission gearbox can run for 30 minutes without lubrication, and the extra strength makes it insensitive to 12.7mm bullets. The non-retractable tricycle landing gear is capable of withstanding hard landings at vertical speeds of up to 6 meters per second.
The cabin is double, tandem: the pilot sits in front, behind him is the operator. Their seats are shock-absorbing and armored. The Tiger proved to be the first production helicopter to feature liquid-crystal displays that allow readouts in any light. The combined threat alert system is sensitive to both radar radiation and laser beams. The crew rely on helmet-mounted sights to control weapons.
As for the weapons themselves, each country participating in the project has its own. Common only 30 mm automatic cannon. On four suspension points under the wings, the Tiger can carry eight Franco-German HOT ATGMs or the same number of Hellfires and four Mistral or Stinger defensive anti-aircraft missiles. Instead of ATGMs, blocks with 22 unguided rockets, heavy machine guns and additional fuel tanks can be suspended.
Despite the high technology and the general production culture, the fate of the Eurocopter cannot be called enviable. The German Ministry of Defense declared the Tiger unusable due to numerous defects and shortcomings. 22 vehicles armed with the AGM-114 Hellfire were acquired by Australia for subsequent modernization and adaptation. Interest in buying helicopters was shown by India and Saudi Arabia but the deal did not go through.
Apache chief
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 machine was supposed to fight tanks in the face of active opposition to air defense and electronic warfare at any time of the day and in any weather, have good maneuverability, high survivability and autonomy. All helicopter and a number of US aircraft firms participated in the development of the attack helicopter, it took 12 years to fine-tune it, and the Apache was adopted in 1984.
The leading edges of the rotor blades are made of titanium - it withstands light touches of trees and other obstacles, which is necessary for low-level flight around obstacles. Two turboshaft engines with a capacity of 1625 horsepower are separated and interchangeable. To reduce noise, the tail rotor is made X-shaped, and its blades are set at different angles: each of them suppresses part of the noise produced by the previous one. The main legs of the non-retractable landing gear are equipped with powerful shock absorbers capable of absorbing the 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 the "fire and forget" principle. The sighting and navigation system automatically captures targets and fires at them. The module on the nose of the helicopter, which rotates in two planes, has infrared and television cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. 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.
Apaches received their baptism of fire in Iraq. It was these helicopters that fired the first Desert Storm shots, firing Hellfires on the night of January 17, 1991 at two Iraqi air defense radars in the suburbs of Baghdad. Both radars were destroyed. Further, the AN-64 carried out support for the ground operation, shooting 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, the weaknesses of the helicopter began to come to light. 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, firing mortars at the locations of the US Air Force.
Now the Longbow modification is in service. It is distinguished from the former 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 them to ATGMs fired by other vehicles from cover.
Symmetric response
No matter how good the Apache is - and it is really good and will remain the main NATO attack helicopter for the coming decades - it is far from 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 scheme with two rotors, the Ka-52 has fantastic maneuverability - it can fly backwards at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, sideways - 100 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed of the "Alligator" is also the best in the class - 370 km/h. The machine is capable of performing aerobatics, inaccessible to conventional helicopters. What is one "Funnel" figure worth when the Ka-52 circles over the target, being constantly turned to it with its nose and pouring continuous fire. The helicopter is also capable of performing aerobatics: roll, oblique loop and other elements.
The coaxial propellers provided the Ka-52 with real all-weather ability - it can fly against a hurricane at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour, clearly maintaining the route and location using satellite navigation. The takeoff power of each of the two engines is 2500 horsepower, if one engine fails, the other gives out up to 2800. There is a surge exit mode and automatic start after the engine stops in the air.
Surveillance and flight and search and sighting 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. On-board electronics has an open architecture, allowing, if necessary, to install new software without replacing the hardware.
Armed with "Alligator" ATGM "Whirlwind" with a laser guidance system and a tandem warhead. The missile penetrates 900 mm armor, ignoring active protection. The first stage of the warhead is reflected by the defense, and the second one burns through any tank from any projection, arranging 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 reprisals against lightly armored targets, radars and anti-aircraft guns the Ka-52 has a 30mm automatic cannon. It is located near the center of mass, which increases the accuracy of fire, speed and maneuverability of the vehicle. The shells penetrate 15 mm armor at a distance of 1500 meters at a meeting angle of 60 degrees - an unattainable figure in the world. No other air gun in the world is capable of this.
The cabin of the "Alligator" is armored, the fuel system is protected from explosion and fire. Experiments have shown that the helicopter can continue flying even with the complete destruction of the tail, while the Apache, if the tail rotor is damaged, goes out of control. If both engines fail, the Ka-52 plans to autorotate. A hard landing is compensated by shock absorbers and landing gear, an armored nose and crushable blocks under the seats. Ejection seats are designed with helicopter specifics in mind. In an emergency, strips of explosives break the cockpit windows, and the propeller blades are fired.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has ordered 240 Ka-52 helicopters, more than 50 have already entered the troops. More than a hundred "Alligators" will be adopted by the navy - to support landings and hunt ships of small and medium tonnage.
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