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

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

10th place. Agusta A129 Mangusta

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

9th place. Mi-24 "Crocodile"

8th place. CAIC WZ-10

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


Photo: 3GO*CHN-405/mjordan_6

7th place. AH-2

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


Photo: Danie van der Merwe

6th place. HAL LCH

5th place. Eurocopter Tiger

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


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

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

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


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

3rd place. Mi-28N Night Hunter

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


Photo: Yevgeny Volkov

2nd place. Ka-52 "Alligator"

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

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

1. AH-64D Apache Longbow

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

2. Ka-52 "Alligator"

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

3.AH-1Z Viper

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

4. Eurocopter Tiger

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

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

6. Agusta A129 Mangusta

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

7. Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

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

8 Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

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

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

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

Combat helicopter - aerial combat unit, which has high firepower, the main tasks of which are the destruction of ground targets, providing cover ground forces and disabling 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 GUV-1 machine-gun mount with an A-12.7 machine gun (number of rounds - 900 pieces), a NURS S-5 unit with a set of NAR UB-32A and 4 ATGM 9M17, borrowed from the Falanga- M.

Eighth place

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

Max Speed 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

Continues our top best helicopters peace American AH-1W, the so-called "Super Cobra".

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 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, occupied the sixth place in the list of "The best military helicopters in the world". It was the first combat vehicle completely created 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 various types. In addition, the helicopter can be equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns, each magazine holds 250 rounds.

Third place

Unlocks the "World's Best Helicopters" leaderboard Russian development Mi-28-N, which received the nickname "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 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 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 designers was the development 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.

A helicopter is a very effective means of delivering goods (especially to hard-to-reach places), rescuing people, and also for military use, including as a strike weapon. 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. every. 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 by 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 turboshaft power plants Turbomeca Makila 1K2 with 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 20mm cannon with 750 rounds of ammunition, guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as unguided rockets and bombs.

Helicopter - today it is the most effective remedy used for logistical security, military operations and rescue operations. Since the first in World War II, participation in Vietnam War and up to now, best helicopters 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. The armament of the Z-10 may consist of a 30 mm machine gun mount, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to TOW-2A), newly developed anti-tank missiles HJ-10 (comparable to AGM-114 Hellfire) and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. 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. In South African air force There are only 12 AH-2 Rooivalk helicopters in operation. 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/Türkiye)


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-bladed 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


Ka-50 "Black Shark" - single-seat strike Russian helicopter, with a distinctive coaxial rotor system created by the Kamov Design Bureau. 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 the small mass and size (due to which the high speed and maneuverability), he became the only helicopter controlled by only one pilot. The Russian Ka-50 can carry 24 missiles, 4 missile pods. Hokum can also carry AA-11/R-73 Archer air-to-air missiles, making this helicopter worthy adversary 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 carry out military missions day or night, in adverse weather conditions, Apache was created to meet the tough requirements of plans to create progressive attack helicopters for the US Army. The helicopter is equipped latest level 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.