10 best military helicopters in the world. The best combat helicopters in the world

Today, about 27 different models of military helicopters are actively used in the world. Most likely, there are many passionate lovers military equipment who will be interested to learn about the most powerful and best helicopters Air Force. In this review the best samples technology in this segment.

1. Boeing AH-64D "Longbow Apache" (USA)

During the hostilities in Persian Gulf, Boeing AH-64D "Apache Longbow" was recognized as the most powerful weapon against tanks. The latest model of this aircraft - AH-64E Apache Guardian - has a 30-mm M230 cannon, sixteen AGM-114L Hellfire 2 anti-tank missiles, 4 air-to-air missiles, a pair of anti-radar missiles. But that's not all, the helicopter is also equipped with four suspensions of 19 volleys of 70-mm Hydra 70 unguided rockets.

2. Mi-24 Lan (Russia)

The Mi-24 is one of the most popular and sought-after helicopters around the world, it is successfully used in practice in air force 50 countries of the world. And despite the fact that the Mi-24 stopped being produced back in the 91st year of the last century, its popularity and modernity does not diminish even today, and it is still considered one of the most powerful in history. The model was equipped with a double-barreled 23-mm gun and anti-tank missiles"Sturm" and 2K8 "Phalanx".

3. Agusta A129 "Mangusta" (Italy)

This is the first attack helicopter special purpose, which was released in Western Europe. Double, twin-engine colossus was developed specifically to repel missile attacks. The combat helicopter was equipped with a 22-mm cannon, 70 and 52 mm Medusa missiles, 8 TOW-2A anti-tank missiles

4. Denel AH-2 "Rooivalk" (South Africa)

This is a new aircraft of the latest generation, presented by the South African Denel Aviation. The unit can carry the most diverse things, depending on the performance of a particular mission. The base model has a 20 mm cannon, four launchers for Denel ZT-6 Mokopa or TOW anti-tank missiles and rocket launchers for unguided missiles.

5. Z-10 (China)

First professional fighting machine among Chinese aircraft, which was assembled on the basis of the "Project 941" of the Russian bureau of Kamov. It is generally accepted that this helicopter is a member of the same class as the AH-2 Rooivalk and A-129 Mangusta. The unit has a classic configuration with stepped tandem cockpits and a narrow fuselage. The combat component includes a 30-mm cannon, HJ-10 and HJ-9 anti-tank missiles, four unguided missiles and air-to-air missiles.

6. Eurocopter "Tiger" (Germany/France)

It is among the most first-class helicopters that are used by the German and French Air Forces. This twin-engine four-blade unit first saw the light in 2003 and belongs to the class of medium-lift aircraft. The helicopter is equipped with eight anti-tank missiles, a 30-mm cannon, four air-to-air missiles, 68 unguided rockets and machine guns on hangers.

7. Mi-28 Night Hunter (Russia)

This Russian-made, two-pilot armored aircraft is among the most advanced anti-tank helicopters in the world. The Mi-28 entered the ranks of the army in 2006. Its maximum speed is 320 km / h, it is equipped with nine guided anti-tank missiles, a 30-mm cannon and 9 A-2200 or M120 / M121F Whirlwind missiles.

8. Ka-52 "Alligator" (Russia)

An improved version of the Ka-50 is also one of the fastest and most modern combat aircraft. This is a very powerful, versatile and one of the most maneuverable helicopters on earth. He successfully makes sorties both in the daytime and at night. The Alligator is equipped with a 30 mm cannon with 460 rounds, 4 air-to-air missiles and 12 anti-tank missiles.

9. Bell AH-1Z "Viper" (USA)

From a technical point of view, this is one of the most ideal helicopters. It is the only combat helicopter worldwide with a fully integrated air-to-air missile system. In addition, the Viper has a 750-round 20mm triple-barreled cannon, anti-ship and anti-tank missiles, bomb and rocket pods.

10. AH-64E "Apache Guardian" (USA)

On the American continent, this model is considered the most advanced combat helicopter ever assembled in the country. The maximum speed of the unit is 300 km / h, it carries 16 AGM-114L Hellfire missiles, four air-to-air missiles, two anti-missile and the same number of anti-tank missiles, as well as a suspension with unguided missiles.

McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache - 293 km/h

The McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache is a two-seat American attack helicopter developed by Hughes Helicopters in the early 1970s. Since the mid-1980s, it has been the main combat helicopter of the US Army, as well as the most common attack helicopter in the world. As of June 2013, about 2,000 vehicles have been produced. The cruising speed of the helicopter is 265 km / h.

Mi-26 - 295 km/h

Mi-26, according to NATO classification: Halo ("Halo"), unofficial name - "Cow" - Soviet heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter produced at the Rostvertol plant in Russia. It is the largest mass-produced helicopter in the world. It is used to solve problems of both military and civilian nature, as well as for search and rescue operations. As of 2011, a total of 316 vehicles were manufactured, of which 40 were exported abroad (Canada -12, India - 10, North Korea - 2, Malaysia - 2 Peru - 2, South Korea- 1 and others).

Mi-28 - 300 km/h

Mi-28 - Russian attack helicopter designed for destruction armored vehicles on the battlefield. In addition, the helicopter can be used for fire support of ground forces, landing support, destruction of air targets and as a transport helicopter. According to NATO classification, the machine received the designation Havoc - "Ravager". In total, more than 100 units were produced. The cruising speed of the Mi-28 is 270 km/h.

Ka-52 - 300 km/h

Ka-52 "Alligator", according to NATO classification: Hokum B - a two-seat Russian combat helicopter capable of hitting armored and unarmored vehicles, manpower and air targets of the enemy. The test flight of the first experimental Ka-52 took place at the airfield of the Progress aircraft plant on June 27, 2008, and on October 29 of the same year, its small-scale production began. A total of 79 Ka-52 aircraft were built.

NHI NH90 - 300 km/h

The NHI NH90 is a twin-engine multi-purpose military helicopter developed by the Franco-German company Eurocopter in two versions - a ship-borne combat and transport-landing. First took to the air in December 1995. In 2006 it was put into operation. As of July 2015, a total of 244 units have been produced.

AgustaWestland AW101 - 309 km/h

The fifth place in the ranking of the fastest helicopters is occupied by the AgustaWestland AW101 or in the UK, Denmark and Portugal it is known as the Merlin, a multi-purpose medium-lift helicopter developed by AgustaWestland. Used for both military and civilian purposes. He made his first flight on October 9, 1987.

AgustaWestland AW139 - 310 km/h

AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium twin-engine helicopter from Agusta Westland, designed to perform search and rescue missions. He made his first flight on February 3, 2001. Entered service in early 2012. To date, the number of ordered AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters and their modifications is 650 units. They are used to solve various tasks e.g. for government visits, SAR/EMS missions, maritime deliveries, law enforcement and are also involved in the civil sector. The cruising speed of the helicopter is 306 km / h.

MI-35M - 310 km / h

In third place in the list of the ten fastest helicopters in the world is the MI-35M - a deep modernization of the Soviet / Russian attack rotorcraft Mi-24, which is one of the ten largest helicopters in the world. MI-35M has been mass-produced since 2005 at the Rostvertol plant in Rostov-on-Don, Russia.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook - 315 km/h

Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American heavy twin-engine military transport helicopter, mass-produced since 1962. It is one of the largest helicopters in the world. Exported to 16 countries of the world. As of 2012, over 1,200 examples have been built.

Eurocopter X3 - 472 km/h

The world's fastest helicopter is the Eurocopter X3, an experimental high-speed hybrid helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. It first took to the air on September 6, 2010 in France. June 7, 2013 Eurocopter X3 accelerated to 255 knots (472 km / h), thereby setting an unofficial speed record among helicopters. The mass of the aircraft is 5,200 kg.

The helicopter is today the most effective means used for logistics, 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 HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to AGM-114 Hellfire) and TY-90 air-to-air missile. -air". He also carries a block of unmanaged aircraft missiles.

8.AH-2 Rooivalk

7. AH-1W "Super Cobra"

6. A-129/T-129 (Italy/Turkey)

5. AH-1Z "Viper"

4. Eurocopter Tiger

3. Mi-28H Havoc (Russia)

2. Kamov KA-50/KA-52

1. AH-64D Apache Longbow

Attack (assault) helicopters have been deadly and very effective weapon many armies of the world. Their main task is to search for and destroy complex and small targets on land. At the same time, modern attack helicopters can hit sea and even air targets.

Since their inception, these machines have been used in almost all conflicts and have shown their value, sometimes acting as the only means of fire support for ground forces. The most effective attack helicopters are able to deal with armored vehicles, which is their main task. Onliner.by has compiled a rating of the six deadliest modern helicopters.

6. Bell AH-1 "Cobra" (USA)

The first specialized attack helicopter in the world and one of the most fought. For the first time, combat "turntables" were massively used by the Americans during the war in Korea. The helicopter, which has always had many opponents, showed itself from the best side.

After the Korean War, the armies of the world began to actively equip themselves with helicopters. Nevertheless, they performed primarily a transport function, transporting goods and soldiers. Transport rotorcraft were equipped only with light weapons and were defenseless against bullets and shells from anti-aircraft machine guns and guns. However, the army needed specialized equipment designed exclusively for shock functions. And such a technique appeared.

"Cobra" was created on the basis of the legendary UH-1 "Iroquois". But the helicopter had a completely different shape, which has become classic for attack vehicles. The pilots were positioned one behind the other - thus reducing the frontal projection of the helicopter. The fuselage was narrow, the wings were small. The entire silhouette of the Cobra was harmonious and impetuous. The "Turntable" was widely used by the Americans in Vietnam and earned the love of soldiers and pilots.

The modern version of the model is the Bell AH-1 Supercobra. The main difference from the original version was the presence of two engines instead of one and modern complex avionics. The main armament of the vehicle is Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

• crew: 2 people (pilot and operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 6690 kg;
• payload weight: 1736 kg;
• power plant: 2 turboshaft General Electric T700-GE-401;
• engine power: 2 × 1723 hp With. (2 × 1285 kW);
• maximum speed: 282 km / h (near the ground);
• practical range: 518 km.

It should be noted that the latest versions of the "Supercobra" in terms of their characteristics are not much inferior to attack helicopters created much later. "Cobras" and "Supercobras" were and are in service with more than 10 countries of the world. In addition to Vietnam, these machines were used in various conflicts in the Middle East and, in terms of their combat experience, are perhaps second only to the legendary Mi-24, which took a slightly higher place in our rating.

5. Mi-24 (USSR)

This rotorcraft is recognizable and covered with military glory. The Mi-24 is one of the most massive and widespread helicopters in the world.

Following the Cobra, he became the second attack helicopter in the world and the first of such machines in the USSR. The helicopter was developed at Mil Design Bureau - the most experienced helicopter design bureau Soviet Union. Many components and assemblies of the Mi-24 were borrowed from another, no less legendary machine - the Mi-8 transport and combat helicopter. Like the Americans, the Milevites created a narrow and swift shock model from a rather heavy transporter.

But the Mi-24 was significantly different from its overseas counterpart. Soviet designers wanted to implement the concept of a "flying infantry fighting vehicle" - an attack helicopter with the ability to carry troops. On the one hand, this idea increased the size of the helicopter, increased its weight, on the other hand, the Mi-24 received greater flexibility in use. Although it was practically not used as an amphibious assault, the ability to transport excess cargo in the troop compartment, the wounded, the crew of the wrecked vehicle more than once saved the lives of soldiers and pilots.

But still, the main task of the Mi-24 was the destruction of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, fortifications and enemy manpower. The helicopter was supposed to climb into the thick of the battle and deliver deadly blows. The designers protected the car with powerful armor that can withstand hits small arms and in some places even heavy machine guns. The Mi-24 was equipped with built-in machine-gun and cannon armament (depending on modification), Shturm unguided and guided anti-tank missiles, bombs, built-in cannon containers, etc.

The Soviet helicopter, nicknamed the “Crocodile” for its green elongated silhouette, received its baptism of fire in Afghanistan. Throughout the years of the conflict, the Mi-24s acted as winged guardian angels of paratroopers and infantrymen. The value of this helicopter is very difficult to overestimate. Maneuverable, swift and at the same time well armored, the Mi-24 was a very difficult and dangerous target for the Mujahideen.

Along with the Afghan conflict, the helicopter was used in almost every hot spot our planet. Everywhere he has established himself as an exceptionally reliable and tenacious machine.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2-3 people;
• maximum takeoff weight: 11,500 kg;
• maximum load capacity: 2400 kg;
• power plant: 2 TV3-117 engines;
• power: 2 × 2200 l. With.;
• number of passengers: up to 8 paratroopers, 2 seriously wounded on a stretcher, 2 lightly wounded and a paramedic;
• maximum speed in level flight: 335 km/h;
• practical flight range: 450 km;
• ferry flight range: 1000 km.

The Mi-24 is or was in service with about 40 (!) Countries, becoming a symbol along with the AK and T-72 Soviet weapons. In total, more than 3500 cars were produced. In version 24P/K, this helicopter is also in service in Belarus.

4. Eurocopter "Tiger"

This is one of the most modern, expensive and complex helicopters in the world. It was designed by the European Franco-German concern Eurocopter. This machine was developed later than the Cobra and Mi-24, when a fairly rich experience in the combat use of attack helicopters was accumulated.

The Germans and the French believed that the basis for the survival of the combat aircraft of the future would not be thick armor and strong construction, but low visibility, the use electronic warfare(electronic warfare) and special tactics of use. It should be noted that such a concept has shown its inconsistency.

The helicopter was equipped with all sorts of sensors. Sighting and navigation system MEP - with an over-sleeve vision system, as on the Apache Longbow. Eurocopter was presented in several versions for France and Germany in shock and anti-tank modifications. The Tiger is armed with a built-in 30 mm cannon, as well as various options guided and unguided missiles. In addition to ATGMs, it also carries air-to-air missiles to combat enemy helicopters and aircraft.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• maximum takeoff weight: 6100 kg;
• mass of fuel in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB);
• volume of fuel tanks: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB);
• power plant: 2 turboshaft MTU / Turbomeca / Rolls-Royce MTR390;
• engine power: 2 × 1285 hp With.;
• maximum speed: 278 km/h;
• cruising speed: 230 km/h;
• practical range: 800 km.

Eurocopter is in service not only in France and Germany, but also in Spain and Australia. However, a helicopter designed for cold war, was not needed by the languishing European armies with the collapse of the USSR. As a result total purchased cars at times differs from the planned.

The advantages of the "Tiger" include an advanced board and fairly powerful weapons. However, it has insufficient armor protection for an attack combat helicopter. The next in our ranking will be the most armored helicopter in the world.

3. Flying tank Mi-28

Work on this helicopter began almost immediately after the creation of the Mi-24. New car was the successor to the well-proven Crocodile, only without a cargo compartment. The Mi-28 was supposed to be a purely combat helicopter with strong armor and powerful weapons. The novelty made its first flight in 1982. The machine participated in the competition for a single attack helicopter along with another well-known helicopter - the Ka-50 "Black Shark".

Mi-28 was created according to new concept the use of combat helicopters - the closest flight near the ground with enveloping the terrain, the rapid search and destruction of targets. Great attention was paid to protection. The rich experience of using the Mi-24 in Afghanistan and other hot spots suggested that the attack helicopter should be seriously protected. The cockpit and its glazing withstand 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets and 20 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells. The engines of the vehicle are separated to the maximum distance and equipped with thermal filters to reduce the likelihood of being hit by missiles with a thermal homing head. The design of the hull and chassis allows the crew to survive a fall at a speed of up to 12 m/s.

During the entire development period, the armament of the helicopter was improved. Modification of the Mi-28N " Night Hunter"Received the entire avionics complex for combat in various weather conditions and at night. The helicopter is equipped with a powerful 30 mm 2A42 cannon, which was mounted on the BMP-2. The main weapon of the helicopter is the Ataka ATGM. Also, the machine can carry unguided weapons, missiles and bombs with a total mass of up to 2.5 tons.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people;
• maximum takeoff weight: 12,100 kg;
• payload weight: 2300 kg;
• fuel mass: 1500 kg;
• power plant: turboshaft VK-2500-02, 2700 hp With.;
• cruising speed: 265 km/h;
• flight range: 450 km.

After many years of lack of money, the Mi-28 is now actively purchased by the armed forces of the Russian Federation. On the this moment produced more than a hundred of these helicopters. In addition, contracts were signed for deliveries to Iraq, Egypt and Algeria. Only the almost complete lack of combat experience and some avionics systems did not allow this wonderful helicopter to climb higher in our list.

2. Ka-52 "Alligator"

The Kamov Design Bureau was the second helicopter design bureau in the Soviet Union. And if the Mil Design Bureau was engaged in helicopters for the ground forces, then the Kamov Design Bureau focused on naval aviation. It was it that first applied an unusual coaxial screw arrangement. A classic helicopter has a main rotor and a tail rudder. With a coaxial scheme, both screws are on top. This scheme increases the height of the machine, complicates the design, but reduces its length and improves flight performance.

In the 70s, the Kamov Design Bureau for the first time took up the development of a competitor to the Mi-28. The result of this work was the Ka-50 "Black Shark" - the most beautiful attack helicopter in the world.

According to the results of the competition for the best combat helicopter, this model outperformed the Mil helicopter and was recommended for mass production. But the difficult 1990s came, and both machines, the Ka-50 and Mi-28, were left without funding. It is worth noting that many of the military, despite the remarkable combat properties of the Black Shark, were against this helicopter. The main argument was the absence of the second crew member - the navigator.

As mentioned above, the main task of an attack helicopter is to search for and destroy enemy tanks, as well as other small and point targets. One pilot could not fully cope with this task, even with the help of high-quality on-board equipment. It became obvious that a single-pilot attack helicopter was not viable.

Then a new helicopter with two crew members was created, called the Ka-52 Alligator. The car was originally planned to be used as a command, for reconnaissance and target designation, as well as a naval version of an attack helicopter.

But it turned out that the purchases of the Ka-52 exceed the purchases of the Mi-28. And in the offices of the General Staffs, and on Internet forums, disputes about which of these machines is better do not subside. Both have almost the same niche, similar characteristics, their advantages and disadvantages. Apparently, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has not decided on best model, since it purchases both helicopters in parallel.

The Mi-28 is superior to the Ka-52 in terms of protection, simplicity of design (classic scheme, continuation of the Mi-24) and reliability. At the same time, Kamov's helicopter has the best flight characteristics, the best armament at the moment and, most importantly, the best on-board equipment, practically not inferior in this respect to the winner of our top.

Like the Mi-28, the Ka-52 is armed with a 30-mm cannon, but with better accuracy due to the installation in the center of the hull fuselage. At the same time, it has worse pointing angles compared to the Mi-28.

The "main caliber" of the Ka-52 are supersonic anti-tank guided missiles "Whirlwind". The helicopter can carry up to 32 of these missiles in a maximum load. The standard equipment is 16 Vikhr ATGMs and 2 NAR units (unguided aircraft missiles). The vehicle can also carry bombs and air-to-air guided missiles.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people (pilot and weapon operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 12,200 kg;
• power plant: 2 turboshaft VK-2500 manufactured by OJSC Klimov;
• maximum speed: 300 km/h;
• cruising speed: 260 km/h;
• practical range: 460 km;
• ferry range: 1110 km;
• static ceiling: 4000 m;
• dynamic ceiling: 5500 m.

The Ka-52, like the Ka-50, was not exported outside of Russia. At the moment, more than 70 Alligators are in service with the RF Armed Forces, which compete with the American monster AN-64 Apache - our winner.

1. AN-64 "Apache"

AN-64 has become the most massive second-generation combat helicopter, and the most belligerent.

The first strike machine "Cobra" was extremely successful and proved to be excellent in Vietnam. At the same time, the US Army needed a new model, better protected and carrying more powerful weapons. One of the main requirements was to ensure all-weather capability. The main task of the new helicopter was the fight against enemy tanks (USSR). The layout of the AN-64 has become a reference for other shock helicopters. It is easy to see that the Mi-28 as a whole completely repeats the American car.

During the development of the helicopter, much attention was paid to its survivability. So, the most important units are shielded by the less important ones, the engines are spaced as far as possible to prevent the simultaneous defeat of both, and the crew is protected by strong armor. Nevertheless, the main highlight of the Apache is its onboard complex, equipped with the most modern means surveillance, search and destruction of targets.

Throughout life cycle"Apache" has been continuously improved, trying to match the threats as much as possible in terms of its combat characteristics. Initially, the main armament of the helicopter was the Hellfire ATGM with a laser guidance head. But with the appearance in the USSR of effective and numerous anti-aircraft systems short-range "Tunguska" it became clear that the helicopter would be destroyed with a high probability.

Then the Americans developed a modification of the AN-64D "Longbow" ("Longbow"). The Apache was equipped with an over-the-arm radar and a new generation of Hellfire missiles with a fire-and-forget homing head that allows the helicopter to change its location and “hide” after launch. The efficiency of new machines has increased significantly. It should be noted that none of the modern helicopter, with the exception of the light and small European "Tiger". Russian helicopters Mi-28 and Ka-52 are still equipped with laser-guided missiles, much inferior in this to the American competitor.

But not only this allowed "Apache" to take first place in our ranking. For almost 30 years of its existence, the AN-64 managed to make war in many parts of the world. After Panama, Iraq became the main baptism of fire of the model. During Operation Desert Storm, it was the AN-64s that broke a hole in the Iraqi air defense system. Together with the A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, these helicopters became the main opponents of Iraqi tanks. After 1991, Apaches were actively used in Afghanistan, and then again in Iraq.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people (pilot and weapon operator);
• maximum takeoff weight: 10,432 kg;
• power plant: 2 × TVD General Electric 1890 l. With.;
• maximum speed: 290 km/h;
• cruising speed: 250 km/h;
• practical range: 406 km;
• ferry range: 1899 km.

At the moment, "Apache" is one of the most common attack helicopters in the world. In total, about a thousand copies were produced. The AN-64 model of various modifications is in service with more than ten countries in different points planets. In this helicopter, the engineers were able to most successfully combine all the combat properties of the current strike machines.

Both well-known Western developments and rather unexpected Eastern and African ones were included in the list. combat helicopters. 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 based on 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. It also works flawlessly 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, a large number of 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. This is a maneuverable combat vehicle capable of performing many aerobatic maneuvers. 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 30 mm cannon, several types of missiles, and 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.