Today in the world there are no more than 30 attack helicopter models. But, which of them can be safely called the best combat helicopter in the world? What is the most important in this type of technology? Accuracy and power of weapons, speed, stealth or security?
We decided to compile our list of attack helicopters, which according to TheBiggest.ru are the best in the world.
Our analysis is based on a combination of indicators of productivity, power, speed, protection, accident rate, maneuverability, firepower capabilities and avionics. It includes only the best attack helicopters in the world that are currently in operation.
All the helicopters mentioned here have incredible power and are capable of causing tremendous damage.
12
Mi-24. the USSR
Mi-24 is one of the most widely known combat helicopters in the world. Production of the Mi-24 was discontinued in 1991, but the machine is still considered one of the best and most advanced helicopters ever created.
Today this helicopter is in service in more than 50 countries around the world. In the entire history of helicopter construction, more than 3,500 Mi-24s were created, which is a record among combat helicopters. In second place is the American "AH-64 Apache" with ≈ 2,000 copies.
Mi-24 was used in many local conflicts, including the Afghan war and military operations in Chechnya.
Maximum speed: 335 km / h
11
HAL Light Combat Helicopter. India
This helicopter is still undergoing flight tests, but its declared characteristics are simply impressive.
Of course, this is the most modern Indian-made helicopter. Its development began in 2006. The model was created to destroy equipment, as well as enemy manpower in various conditions, including work in the highlands. That is why the height ceiling for this helicopter is 6,500 m. In this parameter, the HAL Light Combat Helicopter is not inferior to any helicopters from this list.
The helicopter has two TM333-2C2 engines with a capacity of 1,200 hp each.
Combat equipment: 20 mm rotary gun, guided missiles.
Maximum speed: 330 km / h
10
Harbin z-19
Harbin Z-19 rightfully takes the second place among the best combat helicopters in China. This is the younger brother of CAIC WZ-10, which is located a little lower on our list. In addition to strike targets, it was also created for reconnaissance and escort of the WZ-10.
It has a standard tandem crew layout. The blades are made of composite plastic, and the body is made on the basis of stealth technology. It has two engines with a total capacity of 1,700 hp.
Maximum speed: 280 km / h
9
Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache. USA
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-door gas turbine twin-engine helicopter that has been the main U.S. Army attack helicopter since the mid-1980s.
He showed himself excellently in the Gulf War, after which the model was considered the most powerful anti-submarine weapon system in the region. The helicopter for a long time answered all the tasks assigned to it, the main of which were working in any weather conditions, at any time of the day or night, as well as a truly lethal arsenal of weapons.
The AH-64 Apache has a 30 mm M230 cannon and carries 16 anti-tank missiles, although the armament may be different. Air-to-air missiles, 70-mm NAR Hydra 70 and many other weapons are often mounted on this Apache.
Two T700-GE-701D engines (2,000 hp each) are installed on the device.
Max. speed: 293 km / h
And about the largest helicopters in the world on our website there is a very interesting article.
8
Agusta A129 Mangusta. Italy
The first ever attack helicopter to be launched in Western Europe.
Agusta A129 Mangusta - one of the most modern combat "turntables", is a double twin-engine light combat vehicle, designed specifically for missile defense.
It has a 20 mm gun; It can be equipped with 12 mm machine guns. It is equipped with 8 TOW-2A anti-tank missiles, Medusa missiles with a size of 52 × 70 mm or more than 81 mm.
In August, two LHTEC CTS800-4A engines with a capacity of 1,360 hp were installed. every.
In 1993, August A129 helicopters took part in hostilities during the UN Blue Helmets operations in Somalia, having made about 900 sorties.
Max. speed: 352 km / h
7
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk. South Africa
Rooivalk is the next-generation Denel Aviation helicopter from South Africa. The helicopter began operations in 1999.
At the heart of the combat vehicle are two 1,500 hp turboprop engines.
The AH-2 Rooivalk can carry a range of weapons depending on the mission profile. It is equipped with a 20mm Armscor gun and 4-sided anti-tank missile launchers.
Max. speed: 309 km / h
6
CAIC WZ-10. China
This flagship of the Chinese military helicopter industry is the first KNS assault helicopter with a tandem cockpit type.
The helicopter has tremendous combat power, which, using the most modern technologies, makes it one of the best in the world.
Several leading countries of the world took part in the creation of this model. The basic scheme of the WZ-10 was developed on the basis of a project carried out by the Russian Design Bureau. Kamova. China secretly placed an order to develop a modern helicopter project in 1995. In addition, the engines for these combat vehicles were manufactured in the United States.
It was with the engines for this car in the early 2000s that a big scandal was connected. United Technologies (USA) supplied engines “Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C”, with a capacity of 1,530 hp. to China without notice to the US authorities, for which she was later heavily fined.
Max. speed: > 300 km / h.
5
Eurocopter Tiger. France / Germany
Currently, this combat vehicle is in service with the German, Spanish, French and Australian Air Force.
This is a four-bladed modern twin-engine medium-heavy helicopter, which first came into operation in 2003. It is equipped with two Rolls-Royce engines with a capacity of 1,464 hp. every.
The main differences from competitors are the widespread use of modern composite materials in the apparatus design, as well as the latest stealth systems.
The helicopter has a 30 mm cannon and carries eight anti-tank missiles HOT 2, HOT 3 or Trigat 2; Four anti-aircraft missiles “Stinger 2” or “Mistral”, air-to-air missiles, 68 × 68 mm missiles and 12.7 mm machine guns.
Max. speed: 322 km / h
4
Bell AH-1Z Viper. USA
This modern military helicopter is based on the legendary Bell AH-1 Super Cobra. Compared to its ancestor, Viper has four-blade composite tail rotors, improved avionics and engines from General Electric (2 * 1 800 hp).
All this allows you to use the car in extreme weather conditions and fight in complete darkness.
Max. speed: 296 km / h
TOP 3 BEST HELICOPTERS:
Now consider the three leaders in our rating. These are helicopters, which today set the general vector for the development of the entire industry.
3
Mi-28. USSR / Russia
The Russian all-weather, double Mi-28 is one of the most advanced armored attack helicopters, the operation of which began in 2013.
This unit is made specifically to be in the very center of hostilities. It is able to work in conditions of active hostilities, designed to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters and enemy manpower.
With powerful weapons, it is able to fly at a speed of up to 320 km / h. The Mi-28 power plant is represented by two VK-2500-02 engines, with a capacity of 2,200 hp. every.
In Russia, the helicopter is called the Night Hunter, while in NATO it is called the "Devastator".
Mi-28 is able to perform many aerobatics that modern aircraft can perform. Among them, such figures as the "dead loop", a barrel, Immelman's loop, flying sideways, flying backward, as well as a sharp turn.
2
AH-64E Apache Guardian. USA
As for the best attack helicopters, the American Apache Guardian is by far the most technologically advanced helicopter ever built.
This is a deeply modernized version of the AH-64D Block III helicopter, which differs from its predecessor in more powerful engines (T700-701D of 2,000 hp each), the use of composite materials in the machine structure and in the blades, the most modern radar, as well as an improved drive , transmission and avionics.
The pinwheel has a 30 mm cannon and carries a huge range of weapons, including various types of missiles.
Max. speed: 365 km / h
1
Ka-52. Russia
The Americans consider their AH-64E Apache Guardian to be the best combat helicopter in the world, but our military has a different position regarding this title.
The new, improved two-seat version of the Ka-50 is one of the fastest and most advanced combat helicopters in the world. Kamov Ka-52 Hokum-B - this name has a helicopter according to NATO classification. This is a multi-purpose, incredibly powerful all-weather attack helicopter. One of the most maneuverable new generation helicopters capable of working day and night.
The Ka-52 has 30 mm guns (460 rounds), in addition, many types of guided missiles can be installed, as well as unguided missiles of various calibers. The total mass of weapons can reach 2,800 kg.
Power point: VK-2500 engines (2 * 2 400 hp). In terms of engine power, this helicopter takes a leading place among the rest of the models on this list. In addition, it significantly exceeds its competitors in rate of climb (16 m / s).
Currently, helicopters are used in military operations in Syria (including ship modification Ka-52K).
Max. speed: 350 km / h
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Conclusion
Choosing the best attack helicopter is not an easy task. Each of them has its pros and cons. Many of the machines have not yet managed to reach their full potential. As far as we were right in compiling this list, time will tell. TheBiggest.ru editors are asking you to write in the comments which other attack helicopters of the world have undeservedly not been in the focus of our attention.