Intro
Discover the versatility of modern military aviation with our guide to the 8 types of military helicopters in service today. From transport and attack to reconnaissance and medical evacuation, explore the capabilities of helicopters like the Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook, and learn about their roles in modern warfare, tactical operations, and humanitarian missions.
Military helicopters have become an essential part of modern warfare, providing troops with air support, transportation, and reconnaissance capabilities. With advancements in technology, military helicopters have evolved to become more efficient, lethal, and versatile. Here, we will explore eight types of military helicopters currently in service, highlighting their unique features, capabilities, and roles.
1. Boeing AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter used by the US Army and other countries. It is equipped with a 30mm cannon, Hellfire missiles, and rockets, making it a formidable ground-attack platform. The Apache's advanced avionics and fire control systems enable it to engage targets day or night, in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 58 ft 2 in (17.76 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Top speed: 227 mph (365 km/h)
- Range: 300 miles (483 km)
2. Bell UH-1Y Venom
The Bell UH-1Y Venom is a multi-role utility helicopter used by the US Marine Corps. It is an upgraded version of the classic UH-1 Iroquois and features advanced avionics, improved engines, and increased payload capacity. The UH-1Y is used for transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue missions.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 58 ft 8 in (17.89 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Top speed: 186 mph (299 km/h)
- Range: 328 miles (528 km)
3. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a multi-role utility helicopter used by the US Army and other countries. It is one of the most widely used military helicopters in the world and has been employed in various roles, including transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 64 ft 10 in (19.76 m)
- Rotor diameter: 53 ft 7 in (16.33 m)
- Top speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)
- Range: 368 miles (592 km)
4. Eurocopter EC665 Tiger
The Eurocopter EC665 Tiger is a multi-role attack helicopter used by several European countries. It is equipped with advanced avionics, fire control systems, and armament, making it a capable ground-attack platform. The Tiger has been employed in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Libya.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 51 ft 2 in (15.59 m)
- Rotor diameter: 42 ft 0 in (12.80 m)
- Top speed: 192 mph (310 km/h)
- Range: 310 miles (500 km)
5. Kamov Ka-52 Alligator
The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is a multi-role attack helicopter used by the Russian military. It features advanced avionics, fire control systems, and armament, making it a capable ground-attack platform. The Ka-52 has been employed in various conflict zones, including Syria and Ukraine.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 49 ft 2 in (15.00 m)
- Rotor diameter: 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m)
- Top speed: 180 mph (290 km/h)
- Range: 220 miles (354 km)
6. Mil Mi-24 Hind
The Mil Mi-24 Hind is a multi-role attack helicopter used by several countries, including Russia and Ukraine. It is one of the most widely used military helicopters in the world and has been employed in various roles, including transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 59 ft 9 in (18.20 m)
- Rotor diameter: 49 ft 6 in (15.09 m)
- Top speed: 208 mph (335 km/h)
- Range: 310 miles (500 km)
7. AgustaWestland AW129 Mangusta
The AgustaWestland AW129 Mangusta is a multi-role attack helicopter used by the Italian military. It features advanced avionics, fire control systems, and armament, making it a capable ground-attack platform. The Mangusta has been employed in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Libya.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m)
- Rotor diameter: 39 ft 4 in (12.00 m)
- Top speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)
- Range: 240 miles (386 km)
8. Westland WAH-64 Apache
The Westland WAH-64 Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter used by the British military. It is a variant of the Boeing AH-64 Apache and features advanced avionics, fire control systems, and armament, making it a capable ground-attack platform. The WAH-64 has been employed in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
Key Features:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 58 ft 2 in (17.76 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Top speed: 227 mph (365 km/h)
- Range: 300 miles (483 km)
Military Helicopter Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on the eight types of military helicopters in service today. Each helicopter has its unique features, capabilities, and roles, making them essential assets for military forces around the world. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.