The best helicopters. The best attack helicopters in the world

First seen over the battlefield during the Korean War, helicopters revolutionized military tactics. Today, rotorcraft confidently occupy their niche in the arsenal of modern armies and civil services, performing tasks such as transporting people and cargo, fire support, and taking part in search and rescue operations and reconnaissance missions.
To earn the right to be called the best, cars must show everything they are capable of. In the harshest climatic conditions, loaded to capacity, under enemy fire and at the limit of their capabilities.
We bring to your attention the ten best helicopters in the world according to the Military Channel. As always, the selection criteria will be the technical perfection of designs, production volumes, the legendary and main and impartial judge - experience of use in military conflicts.

All 10 helicopters presented in the review have their own remarkable features; they all went through the school of survival in hot spots and received funny slang names.

Like any Military Channel program, this rating is not without bias. Another controversial point is how can you compare transport and attack helicopters? According to the creators of the rating, there are few highly specialized designs; most helicopters are multi-purpose. For example, the transport Mi-8 can successfully support ground troops with fire, not to mention its assault modification Mi-8AMTSh “Terminator”.
All the necessary comments have been made, now I propose to take a closer look at the technology.

10th place – Cow

Mi-26 – heavy transport helicopter
First flight – 1977
310 units built
Loading capacity – 20 tons of cargo or 80 paratroopers

The rotary-wing heavyweight has become the world's largest helicopter. Unique capabilities required special technical solutions. An eight-bladed main rotor, multi-threaded power transmission, three video cameras for monitoring the condition of the cargo on the external sling are just some of the features of this machine.
A serious test for the Mi-26 was the work to eliminate the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Overloaded with lead radiation protection, the Mi-26s were engaged in complex installation operations on the territory of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In order not to raise clouds of radioactive dust, it was necessary to work with an extended external suspension, which required remarkable courage and skill from the crews. All Mi-26s that took part in this operation were buried in the Exclusion Zone.

9th place – Lynx (Lynx)

Westland Lynx - British multi-role helicopter

First flight – 1971
400 units built
Combat load - 750 kg, including 10 landing personnel and suspended weapons: 4 anti-ship missiles in the naval version or 20 mm cannons, 70 mm Hydra rockets and up to 8 TOW anti-tank missiles in the land version.

The appearance of the Lynx is not impressive: it does not have the aggressiveness of the American Apache or Mi-24. But despite its typically civilian appearance, the combat Lynx is one of the most common ship-based helicopters in the world. The Lynx took part in the Falklands War, a series of naval battles that became the largest naval conflict since the Second World War. The combat debut was successful - the Lynxes of the Royal Navy sank an Argentine patrol ship with the help of Sea Scua anti-ship missiles. Over their forty-year history, the Lynxes were noted in the combat zone in the Balkans, where they ensured a blockade of the coast of Yugoslavia and in Iraq in the winter of 1991, destroying a T-43 minesweeper, 4 border patrol boats, a landing ship and a missile boat.
But what makes the Westland Lynx truly unique? Incredibly, this unprepossessing machine holds the world speed record among production helicopters - in 1986, the Lynx accelerated to 400 km/h.

8th place – Flying carriage

Boeing CH-47 “Chinook” - a heavy military transport helicopter with a longitudinal design
First flight - 1961
1,179 units built
Load capacity: 12 tons of cargo or up to 55 people

An important property of a modern army is its mobility. If on a global scale the movement of troops is provided by transport aviation, then directly on the battlefield this is the task of helicopters.
This problem was especially acute for the American army in Vietnam - mountainous terrain, sudden changes in weather, lack of maps and roads, an omnipresent and numerous enemy - all this required a special air vehicle. This is where the Chinook heavy transport helicopter, built according to an unusual longitudinal design with two main rotors, came in handy. During his long service, many funny stories have accumulated. For example, one of the loading options sounded like this: you can stuff 33 Americans or... 55 Vietnamese into the Chinook. Once, during the evacuation of Vietnamese refugees, a record was recorded: 147 people were taken on board.

“Flying wagons” tried to stay away from the battlefield, specializing in the transfer of cargo from ships to supply bases. Although more exotic applications are known: as bombers, smoke screens, tear gas dispensers, artillery “tractors”. They looked especially impressive in raids on evacuating damaged aircraft: during the first year of hostilities, the Chinooks removed 100 planes and helicopters that made an emergency landing.In total, during the Vietnam War, they evacuated a thousand aircraft with a total value of 3 billion dollars!
The helicopter remains in service today, taking part in operations around the world.

7th place – Cobra

Bell AH-1 “Cobra” – attack helicopter
First flight - 1965
1,116 Cobra units and 1,271 Super Cobra modifications were built.
Built-in weapons: remote-controlled installation with two six-barreled Miniguns + 4 hardpoints, on which containers with machine guns, air-to-air missiles, 70 mm NURS, TOW anti-tank guided missiles can be placed.

Scary helicopter. It was as if Death itself was descending from heaven in the guise of the narrow, ominous silhouette of the Cobra. The bow machine gun turret continued to fire even if the helicopter was already flying in the other direction. Bloody Vietnam, the Middle East, where Cobras were unexpectedly repurposed as tank hunters, a meat grinder in Waziristan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq - this is an incomplete track record of Cobras...

The AH-1 was the world's first purpose-built attack helicopter. The pilot's cockpits and side projections are protected by NORAC composite armor. "Cobra" received a powerful sighting system that allows it to work on targets in any weather conditions.
Today, the modernized Cobra is in service with the US Marine Corps. The light compact helicopter has excellent characteristics for deployment on universal landing ships and aircraft carriers.

6th place – Crocodile

Mi-24 - transport and combat helicopter
NATO codename: Hind
First flight - 1969
Over 2,000 units built
Built-in weapons: four-barreled 12.7 mm machine gun on a mobile mount; suspended weapons: free-falling bombs, NURS with a caliber from 57 to 240 mm, the Phalanx anti-tank missile system, suspended gun containers, as well as up to 8 people in the troop compartment.

American experts have delivered a stunning verdict: the Mi-24 is not a helicopter! Like this. No more and no less.
The Mi-24 looks like a helicopter and is used like a helicopter, but from a technical point of view it is a hybrid of an airplane and a helicopter. Indeed, the Mi-24 cannot hover in one place or take off from a “patch” - it requires a runway (under normal load, the takeoff length is 100...150 meters). What's the secret? Visually, the Mi-24 has disproportionately large pylons (in fact, these are decent-sized wings). US Air Force specialists, testing the Crocodile that fell into their hands, determined that it creates at least a quarter of its lift with the help of its wings, and, at high speeds, the value can reach 40%.
The Mi-24's piloting technique is also unusual - when the lift force decreases, the pilot slightly lowers the nose - the car accelerates and a lift force appears on the wings. Like on an airplane.

Did you think such wings were for beauty?

What advantages does this strange hybrid have? Firstly, the Mi-24 was created according to the concept of a “flying infantry fighting vehicle”, which required non-standard technical solutions from the designers - heavy armor, a landing compartment and a powerful weapon system did not fit into a standard helicopter design. Secondly, thanks to its “aircraft” qualities, the heavy “Crocodile” is one of the fastest combat helicopters in the world (max. speed – 320 km/h).
"Crocodile" fought in the gorges of the Caucasus and in the Pamir Mountains, in the sultry Asian deserts and tropical forests of Equatorial Africa. But military glory came to him in Afghanistan. The unique rotary-wing attack aircraft became a symbol of that war.

According to the Iraqi government newspaper Baghdad Observer, in 1982, during the Iran-Iraq War, an Mi-24 shot down an Iranian F-4 Phantom supersonic fighter. Unfortunately, the exact details of that battle remain unclear. But it is known for certain that Hussein’s Mi-24 pilots shot down two dozen Iranian helicopters. On this occasion - black humor from the creators of the rating: “Never smile at the crocodile!” (Never joke with a crocodile).
But the Afghan mujahid said it best about the Krokodil in an interview with an American news channel: We are not afraid of the Russians, but we are afraid of their helicopters.

5th place – Stallion

Sikorsky CH-53E “Super Stallion” - heavy transport helicopter
First flight – 1974
Built – 115 units
Load capacity - 13 tons of payload in the cargo compartment or up to 14.5 tons on an external sling; or 55 paratroopers

The giant flying boat CH-53E is a deep modernization of the famous CH-53 Sea Steel helicopter, created in 1964 specifically for the needs of the Navy, Marine Corps and US Coast Guard. Specialists from the Sikorsky company mounted a third engine and a seven-blade main rotor on the original structure, for which the sailors called the modernized helicopter “Hurricane Maker” (literally, “hurricane maker”), so powerful is the vortex of water spray and elastic jets of air created by the CH- power plant 53E.

Night operation, Iraq

What else is “Stallion” famous for (that’s how Stallion is translated)? This huge machine demonstrated a "loop"!
The naval career of the CH-53 and CH-53E was not limited to standard transport missions. Rotary-wing flying boats were used as minesweepers (MH-53 modification) and took part in search and rescue operations (HH-53 modification). The in-flight refueling system installed on the helicopter allows you to stay in the air 24 hours a day.
The “Stallion” took root on land – the military liked the powerful transport helicopter. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the CH-53 and CH-53E were used as gunships, supporting ground troops with fire. In total, the CH-53 family includes 522 helicopters built.

4th place – Huey (Iroquois)

Bell UH-1 – multi-role military helicopter
First flight - 1956
Built – more than 16,000 units
Load capacity: 1.5 tons or 12-14 soldiers.

This air cavalry private, along with napalm, became a symbol of the Vietnam War. Veterans recall that the Hueys became a home for them - helicopters delivered them to the position, brought them equipment, supplied them with provisions and ammunition, provided air cover, and in case of injury, evacuated them from the battlefield. Despite the huge losses (3,000 vehicles did not return to base), the combat use of the Huey is considered successful. According to dry statistics, during the 11 years of the war, helicopters made 36 million combat sorties, i.e. there was one irretrievable loss per 18,000 sorties - a completely unique result! And this despite the fact that the Hueys had no reservations at all.

Before the advent of specialized Cobras, Hueys had to carry out strike operations - a pair of 12.7 mm machine guns and 48 unguided rockets on the suspension turned the UH-1 into a hell of a machine. The fire of the tactical combat group "Eagle Flight" (Flight of Eagles is an American tactic for using helicopters) of 10...12 vehicles was equal to the fire of two infantry battalions.

The Huey is the favorite helicopter of Hollywood screenwriters. No action movie is complete without a UH-1 flight scene. As expected, the heroes sit in a cabin open on both sides, their legs carelessly dangling overboard.
The Huey holds another record - so many of them were produced that by the end of the 60s, American troops in Indochina had more helicopters than all other armies in the world combined. Military and civilian versions of the Huey were supplied to 70 countries around the world (almost like a Kalashnikov assault rifle).

3rd place - Mi-8

Multi-role helicopter
First flight - 1961
Built - more than 17,000 units
Load capacity: 3 tons or 24 people
Combat load of shock modifications: 2-3 machine guns and up to 1.5 tons of weapons on 6 hardpoints, including 57 mm unguided rockets, free-falling bombs and the Phalanx anti-tank complex.

The helicopter, created 50 years ago, turned out to be so successful that it still receives orders from all over the world. It has three dozen civilian and military modifications. It is used as a transport and attack helicopter, used for reconnaissance, as a command post, mine layer, tanker and ambulance helicopter. Civil versions serve passenger airlines, are used in agriculture and in eliminating the consequences of natural and man-made disasters.

Military modification of the Mi-8TV ("heavy weapons")

The helicopter is simple, reliable, and can be operated in any conditions - from the hot Sahara to the Far North. Passed through all military conflicts, including Afghanistan, Chechnya and the Middle East. And a replacement for him will not be found in the near future.

2nd place - Apache

Boeing AH-64 “Apache” - attack helicopter
First flight - 1975
Built – 1174 units
Built-in armament – ​​30 mm automatic cannon. Suspended weapons - 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 76 70 mm NURS or Stinger missile systems for air combat.

“Apache” is an iconic machine that became the prototype of a whole class of modern combat helicopters. He gained fame during Desert Storm, where, according to NATO representatives, he successfully fought tanks. Regularly used by the IDF.
Only one helicopter, the Russian Mi-28N Night Hunter, was able to openly challenge the Apache during the Indian tender for the supply of combat helicopters in the fall of 2011. But the old warrior turned out to be more cunning and agile than the young recruit - the electronics, “improved” during numerous conflicts, allowed the modern modification of the AH-64D “Apache Longbow” to operate more effectively in the dark. However, Indian experts noted that the Apache design had exhausted its reserves for modernization, and its flight performance characteristics (static and dynamic ceiling) were inferior to the Russian helicopter, which was just beginning its combat journey.

More recently, in 2002, a Mi-35 (an export version of the Mi-24 with modern avionics) of the DPRK Air Force ambushed a South Korean Apache. South Korea acknowledged the loss and demanded that the United States carry out a free (!) modernization of its entire fleet of Apaches to the Longbow version. They are still suing.

1st place – Black Hawk

Sikorsky UH-60 “Black Hawk” – multi-purpose helicopter
First flight – 1974
Built – 3000 units
Load capacity: 1500 kg of cargo and various equipment inside the cargo compartment or up to 4 tons on an external sling. The landing version takes 14 fighters on board.
Combat load of strike vehicles: 2 machine guns, 4 hardpoints. The standard weapon system is NURS, anti-tank Hellfires, containers with 30 mm cannons. Naval versions are armed with 324 mm torpedoes and AGM-119 “Penguin” anti-ship missiles.

Without any exaggeration, the Black Hawk is a helicopter of the 21st century, despite the fact that it was created 40 years ago. The multi-purpose army helicopter was designed to replace the Iroquois, while at the same time the development of its naval version, the Sea Hawk, was underway. The result is a universal platform for all branches of the military, and in terms of all its characteristics, the best helicopter in the world.
In addition to the basic land version of the UH-60, there are 2 anti-submarine versions SH-60B “Sea Hawk” and SH-60F “Ocean Hawk” (equipped with a magnetometer and a lowered sonar station), a helicopter HH-60 “Rescue Hawk” for conducting combat search and rescue and special operations, as well as the MH-60 “Knighthawk” line of models, including carrier-based helicopters, fire support helicopters, special operations vehicles, ambulance versions, jammers, etc. Sometimes used as command helicopters for high-ranking officials and generals. They are actively exported.

Good devices

The Black Hawk is loaded to the limit with high-tech equipment, which places high demands on maintenance personnel and does not allow it to be stored outside the hangar for a long time.
The military plans to make the MH-60 a single type of helicopter for all branches of the military and navy, which should radically reduce costs and simplify maintenance. With its appearance, it replaced the army Iroquois and the sea SeaSprite. Now the Black Hawk successfully duplicates the tasks of transport helicopters and fire support helicopters, replacing MH-53 sea minesweepers and SH-3 “Sea King” heavy helicopters.

Conclusion

The top ten fits exactly 10 places. But why didn’t the iconic Ka-50 “Black Shark” helicopter make it into the rating? Do American experts really not even suspect the existence of this machine? Despite excellent flight characteristics and unsurpassed maneuverability, only 15 “Sharks” were produced, the Ka-50 never went beyond the scope of an experimental vehicle. The American AH-56 Cheyenne, a hellish rotorcraft, was also not included in the rating, compared to which all existing Cobras and Apaches are ugly ducklings. During tests, the car showed a speed of more than 400 km/h! Alas, only 10 Cheyennes were produced and the helicopter never reached the troops.
All that remains is to summarize - advanced design and remarkable flight performance characteristics do not yet make the car the best. Much more important is its mass appearance in the troops (which allows you to quickly test the vehicle in all modes and cure the “childhood diseases” that plague any design) and the correct tactics of use.

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

A selection of the best attack helicopters currently in service with the leading countries of the world.

Yes, the time has come when Chinese military equipment began to reach the top. CAIC WZ-10 is the first Chinese attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit, it was put into service in 2011. Developed in collaboration with the Kamov Design Bureau, a small thing but a nice thing. CAIC WZ-10 is brought Powered by two turbo engines with a power of 1285 hp each. Maximum speed 300 km/h.

The progenitor of all Russian attack helicopters, a legend of all times, meet the Mi 24!!! Year of creation 1971. Capable of transporting up to 8 people. Maximum speed 335 km/h. Depending on the modification, it was equipped with machine guns of various calibers as well as Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles. About 3,500 combat vehicles have been produced over the years .

Incredibly, attack helicopters are also produced in... South Africa. This country is armed with as many as 12 vehicles. Created on the basis of Aerospatiale puma. Maximum speed 309 km/h. The main armament consists of 20 mm cannons with an ammunition load of 700 shells, and from guided and unguided missiles.

Bell Ah 1 Super Cobra is the brainchild of the American military machine. I think those who played Battlefield Vietnam immediately recognized this rotorcraft, it was its donor, Bell Ah 1 Cobra provided air support to US troops in the bloody war with Vietnam. Bell Ah 1 Super cobra to this day It forms the basis of US attack helicopter aviation, although it was developed in the 80s. The maximum speed is 282 km/h. The armament is standard for this type of helicopter: 20 mm cannon with 750 rounds of ammunition and missiles of various classes.

A129 Developed by Italian designers from Agusta. So the Italians can make not only sports cars but also cool helicopters. By the way, this is the first helicopter that was completely independently developed in Western Europe. Maximum speed is 250 km/h. Powered by Rolls Royce Gem 2 turbo engines -1004D (881 hp)

The AH 1Z Viper is essentially a more sophisticated modification of the Bell Ah 1 Super Cobra. It has an upgraded guidance, aiming and firing system. It was adopted relatively recently in 2011. The maximum speed is 287 km/h. It has two very powerful engines with a capacity of 1723 hp. with each.

Eurocopter Tiger is another European, created in an alliance between Germany and France. Production began in 2002. It is in service with the following countries: Germany, France, Australia, Spain. Equipped with two turboshaft engines, the power of each is 1285 hp. The maximum speed is 278 km/h. It is armed with a 30 mm cannon.

MI 28N Known as the Night Hunter, a deeply modified version of the MI 28. Adopted into service in 2013. In many technical indicators, it has no analogues in the world. Has the most modern equipment. Capable of operating in the most severe weather conditions. The helicopter is very survivable as almost all equipment duplicated. Develops 300 km/h, thanks to two engines with a total power of 4400 hp!!! It is armed with a 30 mm cannon as well as missiles.

AH64D Apache Longbow Undoubtedly one of the best helicopters in the history of aircraft construction. Equipped with the most modern electronic systems. This helicopter is armed with ... a 70 mm cannon (!!!) It can also carry up to 16 missiles of various classes. Maximum speed 265 km/h. Engine power is 1890 hp each. I note that this helicopter showed itself especially clearly in the Gulf War.

The AH64D Apache Longbow is certainly good, but perhaps the best is the domestic KA 52 Alligator. It has absolutely unique maneuverability and enormous firepower. The KA 52 has a coaxial propeller system, thanks to which the helicopter is capable of performing aerobatics. It is capable of performing combat missions in absolutely in any weather conditions and even in a hurricane! The total power of the engines is 5000 hp. It is armed with the Vikhr anti-tank missile system, which penetrates 900 mm of armor. It also has a 30 mm cannon, which has no analogues in the world, which is capable of penetrating 15 mm of armor from a distance of up to 1.5 km. Thanks to the Kamov Design Bureau for the safety of our borders.

Helicopters appeared over battlefields relatively soon after the end of World War II. The first mass use of rotary-wing aircraft took place during the Korean conflict, and the Americans became the pioneers in this. Initially, helicopters served as reconnaissance officers, fire spotters, and evacuated the wounded (thanks to the use of helicopters for evacuation, the survival rate of wounded soldiers in the US Army increased several times). At the dawn of their military career, helicopters did not perform strike functions.

The new type of aircraft had many opponents: the low speed of helicopters and their insufficient protection even from small arms were noted. But the experience of using attack versions of these machines eventually dispelled all fears, and helicopters firmly took their place on the battlefield.

After some time, the world entered the era of the final collapse of the colonial system, and armed conflicts broke out in different parts of the planet, characterized by active guerrilla actions. It turned out that helicopters, unlike combat aircraft, are excellent for fighting partisans.

The turning point in the history of combat helicopters came in October 1973, when, during the Arab-Israeli conflict, 18 Israeli Cobra helicopters destroyed 90 Egyptian tanks in one flight. From that day on, one of the main tasks of combat helicopters was the fight against armored vehicles.

The Soviet Union did not immediately see the potential of helicopters, but then quickly began to catch up. In 1971, the first prototype of the Soviet Mi-24 attack helicopter appeared. This legendary vehicle is still in service in Russia and many other countries. During its long service, the “crocodile” managed to take part in dozens of conflicts, passed the harsh tests of the Afghan war and underwent numerous improvements. If the American Bell UH Huey helicopter is a symbol of the Vietnam War, then the Mi-24 Crocodile is a symbol of the war in Afghanistan.

The Mi-24 was conceived as a flying infantry fighting vehicle: in addition to powerful weapons and armor protection, it had an airborne compartment in which it could deliver infantry to the battlefield and then support it with fire. But in reality, it turned out that landings from the Mi-24 were carried out extremely rarely, and as a rule, the helicopter was used as an attack vehicle. So the attempt to create a multi-purpose helicopter was not entirely successful, and in the mid-70s of the last century the USSR decided to create a new generation combat helicopter. To develop a promising strike vehicle, a competition was announced between the Mil and Kamov design bureaus. As a result of this competition, Russia's best combat helicopters to date were born: the Mi-28 “Night Hunter” and the Ka-50 “Black Shark” (and the Ka-52 “Alligator”).

Mi-28 "Night Hunter"

Technical characteristics of the Ka-50 “Black Shark” helicopter

One of the main reasons for the cessation of production of the Ka-50 was precisely the “single-seat” nature of this helicopter.” Piloting a helicopter at low altitudes is very difficult, and it is even more difficult to fire at the enemy. A coaxial helicopter is quite difficult to pilot and requires serious skill from the pilot. Therefore, the Ka-50 “Black Shark” was replaced by the Ka-52 “Alligator”.

Ka-52 is a two-seat modification of the Ka-50. The helicopter differs from its predecessor in a modified nose section and a set of new radio-electronic equipment. The Ka-52 was originally conceived as a command vehicle coordinating the actions of a group of Ka-50 helicopters.

The Ka-52 is equipped with the Argument-2000 multifunctional navigation system, which makes the helicopter all-weather and capable of flying at any time of the day. It consists of a search and targeting system GOES-451 and a surveillance and flight control system.
The armament is similar to that of the Ka-50.

Another interesting machine, which is already being supplied in various configurations to the Armed Forces and civilian customers, is the Ansat helicopter, developed and manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. "Ansat" is built according to the classic single-propeller design and has two gas turbine engines. It can lift up to 1300 kilograms of cargo or 9 passengers.

Ansat made its first flight in 1999. The machine is universal: it can transport cargo, passengers, and be used as a medical and search and rescue helicopter. Kazan designers have created a modification "" - a training helicopter for training cadets of military schools.

Swift Mi

Information appeared in the press about the development of a new high-speed helicopter at the Mil Design Bureau. The project of the new car should be completed in 2019. In 2014-2015, it was planned to allocate 4 billion rubles from the state budget for this project.

Initially, the Kamov Design Bureau also participated in this program, but the Mil Design Bureau project was considered more successful. The new helicopter should have a flight range of up to 1.5 thousand kilometers and reach speeds of up to 450 km/h. The helicopter is being created for the needs of civil aviation.

It can be added that other countries are also working on the creation of high-speed helicopters. In particular, a similar machine is now being developed at Sikorsky Aircraft.

The old horse doesn't spoil the furrows

Today, a large number of old, time-tested Mi-24s remain in Russia. Back in 1999, a modernization program for these helicopters was developed. The updated vehicle received the designation Mi-35. It is produced for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense and exported abroad.

The new helicopter is equipped with a new thermal imaging system and night vision devices. In addition, the Mi-35 is equipped with a satellite navigation system that allows you to accurately determine the coordinates of the vehicle.

By the beginning of 2014, 24 Mi-35s were manufactured for the Russian Ministry of Defense, and almost 50 more units were planned to be transferred to the Russian military by 2019.

Mi-171A2 and Mi-38

Another interesting machine currently at the state testing stage is the Mi-171A2 helicopter. This is nothing more than a deep modernization of the famous Mi-8. In fact, this machine is a continuation of the glorious traditions of the Mi-8/17 helicopters, made at a modern technological level, using the most modern technologies and materials. The new helicopter will have a modern control system and power plant installed, and the interior will be redesigned. The helicopter was certified in 2014, and serial production began in 2016.

Another replica of the Mi-8/17 is the Mi-38 cargo-passenger helicopter. Many modifications have been made to this car. Modern avionics, all-glass cockpit, extensive use of composite materials. The helicopter's main rotors are made entirely of composite materials and do not require replacement during the entire service life of the machine.

Several modifications of the Mi-38 have been created, capable of performing different functions: carrying passengers and cargo, performing search and rescue operations. Test flights were carried out in 2014, and the Mi-38 was certified at the beginning of 2015.

Video about the latest Russian helicopters

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From its first appearance to the present day, the helicopter has been an integral part of the arsenal of both civilian and military services. This technique transports cargo, quickly transports passengers, and also allows you to effectively destroy enemy ground targets. Nowadays, combat helicopters occupy a strong position in almost all armies of the world - as reliable multifunctional weapons. In this article we described the best combat helicopters in the world- Top 10.

1. AH-64D Apache Longbow

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

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 such maneuverability and combat power. The first is achieved thanks to two propellers located on the same axis, the second is due to advanced combat equipment and the ability to fight at any time of the day and in any weather. The Ka-52 is capable of flying even in hurricane-force winds, and firing in thick fog or smoke. The Alligator's arsenal contains many first-class advanced technologies, some of which have no analogues. 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: development was carried out specifically for the US Marines. This combat vehicle is equipped with advanced technologies and weapons, two turbocharged engines and is designed to conduct dense machine-gun and rocket fire against enemy targets and personnel. The pride of the AH-1Z Viper is its modernized sighting system, which allows for high accuracy of fire both with machine gun and rocket fire. In addition, some of the missiles of this helicopter are guided. It was commissioned into the United States Armed Forces at the beginning of the 11th year.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

At the dawn of the current millennium, a European company (France, Germany) began developing a new powerful combat helicopter that could meet modern requirements for 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. The Eurocopter Tiger was originally designed as a combat helicopter with high endurance and maximum stealth. The vehicle is equipped with a system for recognizing missiles launched at a helicopter. The weapon is a 30mm machine gun, as well as 2 mounts for additional already loaded machine guns and 4 hardpoints 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, worthily flaunts. Its development took 33 long 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 aircraft boasts advanced weapons, excellent survivability, high speed performance and the ability to perform aerobatic maneuvers. 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

The championship among combat helicopters entirely developed in Western European countries belongs to the Agusta A129 Mangusta. It was invented by an Italian company. Today this helicopter has another similar modification, which is produced by the Turkish side. In terms of weapons and technology, as well as power, the Agusta A129 Mangusta is inferior to the helicopters listed above. However, this did not stop him from becoming one of the best both in Europe and throughout the world. This vehicle is also equipped with various types of missiles, but its cannons and machine guns are of slightly smaller caliber.

7. Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is the same helicopter that became the progenitor of the no less popular AH-1Z Viper in the world. In turn, the first was created on the basis of the Cobra with one engine. After development in the early 1980s, the Bell AH-1 Super Cobra (now with two powerful engines) was adopted by the United States Marine Corps, where it remains in service to this day. The weapons of this combat helicopter include guided and conventional missiles and bombs, and a 20-mm 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 South African armed forces was the high performance 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 only 12 helicopters that were modified from those previously used in this country. They have not been put into mass production and were created in such quantities only to satisfy the relevant combat needs of the state. The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk, however, is capable of reaching a speed of 309 km/h, which is the second highest among all combat helicopters in the world (the first is the Mi-24). The armament is also not particularly inferior to its competitors - attachment points 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 time is the Mi-24. It entered service with the Soviet army in 1971 and is still used in many countries (especially Russia). Its weapons and equipment depend on modifications, each of which is designed for specific conditions. At the time the Mi-24 appeared, 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 difficult weather conditions, and also has a record speed among combat helicopters - 335 km/h.