The best attack helicopters in the world. The best combat helicopters of Russia and the USA American military helicopters names

American military helicopters are some of the best helicopters in the world.

Since 1942, the US military has used thousands of helicopters for reconnaissance, transport and combat support. Developed in the 1930s and used in warfare a decade later, the main difference between a helicopter and an airplane is the blades that vertical take-off and landing, hovering, the ability to fly forward, backward, and from side to side - in a word, providing more convenient movement in space.

Between the very first R-4 used during World War II and the futuristic S-97, we've rounded up 12 of the best US military helicopters that support the Army from the skies.

UH-60 "Black Hawk" (Black Hawk)

The Army began delivering UH-60s to troops in 1978. Black Hawk's mission is to transport troops and provide logistical support. However, he has also participated in medical evacuation, search and rescue, and armed escort missions. More than 2,000 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are in service with the US Army.

AH-64 "Apache" (Apache)

As of 2014, the Apache was the most common attack helicopter in the world. As of January 2015, the Apache fleet had accumulated more than 3.9 million flight hours since its initial delivery in 1984, according to its manufacturer Boeing. The Apache has four main rotor blades and also four tail rotors. The AH-64's "baptism of fire" took place during the American invasion of Panama in December 1989.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Development of the Boeing Chinook began in 1956. The twin-rotor medium transport helicopter was delivered for its first use in Vietnam in 1962. And although many advanced options have already appeared, it is still used in the army, and no reduction is expected; its service life is up to 2060 - perhaps it will be the first 100-year helicopter

The H-34 first flew in 1954, and was acquired by the Army and Navy in 1955. According to the Pacific Aviation Museum, it is one of the most recognizable helicopters in military history. It had an unusual shape, with the engine behind the cabin. Also called "Choctaw", and mainly known for its multi-purpose use in Vietnam. Unfortunately, its manufacturers decided that future military helicopters require more space than the Seahorse allows.

MH-6 "Little Bird"

Nicknamed the 'Killer Egg', its main task is to deliver special forces over rooftops or into tight spaces. It was originally developed for reconnaissance, but has also been used for special operations and has proven effective in combat.

Bell UH-1 "Iroquois"

More affectionately called 'Huey', one of the most famous and popular helicopters in the history of helicopter manufacturing. Serially produced since 1960. The total number of helicopters of all modifications is more than 16,000. The current helicopter variant used by the US Marine Corps is the UH-1Y. It was first used in Vietnam to move infantry. The Drug Enforcement Administration still uses Hueys for anti-drug raids in Afghanistan.

S-61/SH-3 Sea King

The Sea King was the first amphibious helicopter in military service. It was used by the Navy to detect, classify, track and destroy enemy submarines. It consists of a boat-like body-hull and a pontoon with floating bags that give S-61 the ability to land on water. Although it is no longer in production, it still serves the President of the United States

Bell V-22 Osprey

Bell-Boeing's Osprey is a multi-role combat helicopter that uses tiltrotor technology combining the best aircraft and helicopters into one helicopter. Thanks to this technology, the V-22 takes off and lands like a helicopter, but transforms into a turboprop aircraft in flight. The Air Force uses the CV-22 iteration for special operations. Overall, the Osprey has been deployed in transport and evacuation operations throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Kuwait.

The CH-53, produced by Sikorsky, is both the largest and heaviest helicopter used by the military. It has been in use for almost three decades, and has seven rotor blades. The Marine Corps has used them since 1980 for heavy duty work, as they can carry 13,000 kg of payload. The CH-53E is expected to be in service until 2025.

Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight

Helicopter Aircraft produced the first Sea Knight for the Marine Corps and entered service in 1964. The helicopter began military service in Vietnam, where it transported troops and cargo for Navy ships in the China Sea. It was a medium-sized civil and military transport helicopter used in Beirut, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan for attack, transport of combat troops, Supplies and equipment. He was discharged from the Navy in 2014 and from the Marine Corps in 2015.

Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

Manufactured by Bell, the Kiowa is used for reconnaissance and close fire support of ground troops. The equipment includes television and infrared devices, a laser rangefinder-target designator, a Doppler radar system and a night vision device mounted on the pilot's helmet. The Kiowa fleet logged 800,000 combat hours. It was to be replaced by the RAH-66 Comanche, which was revised in 2004. The OH-58D helicopter is expected to be retired from service at the end of 2016.

Bell AH-1 "Cobra"

The world's first specially designed combat helicopter, as it was successfully used in the Vietnam War and other armed conflicts. The military has used it since 1967, and was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The Super Cobra variant is armed with both air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles and can also be equipped with unguided Hydra missiles. All four Marine Corps helicopter squadrons equipped with Super Cobras took part in the operation against Saddam Hussein's army.

In 1976, it was planned to enter service with a new CH-46E helicopter, created on the basis of the CH-46D helicopter. The foreign press indicated that it would be equipped with a T58-16 engine with a power of 1870 hp. s, have a maximum take-off weight of 10,600 kg and will be able to take off from a site located at an altitude of 900 m above sea level, at an ambient temperature of 33 ° C. For the same helicopter, by the beginning of 1979, it is planned to develop fiberglass rotor blades.

Boeing began implementing a program for further modernization of the CH-47 helicopter at the end of 1976. The new version of the helicopter, designated CH-47D, is equipped (unlike latest model CH-47S) simplified hydraulic system and an improved control system. It is reported that as a result of a number of design changes, the survivability of the helicopter will increase. Ultimately, the company's specialists expect to reduce the helicopter's vulnerability to enemy fire by 36-75%. It is planned to modernize 198 helicopters, the pace of work is three aircraft per month. According to the US Army command, the implementation of this modernization program will significantly improve the combat capabilities of the CH-47 helicopters.

Basic settlement performance characteristics of the above new and modernized helicopters are given in the table.

Currently, US Army specialists are determining a set of requirements for a promising reconnaissance helicopter, the creation of which is planned under the ASH (Advanced Scout Helicopter) program. In particular, as reported in the foreign press, their requirements for the equipment of such a helicopter include the installation of a complex of electronic equipment (the total weight of which should not exceed 370 kg), including a television detection system, an infrared night vision system in the front hemisphere, a laser designator and a laser rangefinder.

Under this program it is planned to purchase 700 vehicles. Some American experts believe that since one of the main conditions of the ASH program is low cost helicopter (less than $1 million), then the development of a new machine is excluded. There are only two options for implementing the program: modernization of 700 light reconnaissance helicopters currently in service or modernization of 400 existing OH-6D air surveillance helicopters, as well as the purchase of 300 more advanced helicopters of a similar class OH-58A and re-equipping them with the above equipment.

The above data suggests that the creation of new and improvement of helicopters in service with the US Army is the next round of the arms race, which American imperialism continues, despite the positive changes taking place in the world.

Since the advent of helicopters, the scope of their operation has become very extensive. They are excellent for delivering various types of cargo or evacuating the wounded, as well as for delivering precise and lightning strikes against the enemy. Our review presents 19 of the best models of military transport helicopters from around the world.

1. Attack helicopter - McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache

McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache is the main attack helicopter of the United States Army and has been in service since the mid-1980s. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 293 kilometers per hour. The presented sample weighs approximately 5165 kilograms. Its length is 18 m and its wingspan is 15 meters.

2. Multi-purpose helicopter - Westland Lynx

Westland Lynx

3. Attack helicopter - Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne

Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose helicopter that was created by two companies Westland and Aerospatiale. The model made its first flight on March 21, 1971, and entered service at the end of 1978. The maximum permissible flight speed is 324 kilometers per hour. The length of this model reaches 15 m, and the wingspan is 13 meters.

4. Multi-purpose helicopter - Boeing / Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche

Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is an American multi-role reconnaissance and attack helicopter that made its first flight on January 4, 1996. The model weighs approximately 4218 kilograms, while its maximum flight speed reaches 324 kilometers per hour. One fully filled tank will last approximately 2220 km. The length of the presented aircraft is 14 m, and the wingspan is 12 meters.

5. Multi-purpose helicopter - Ka-60 “Kasatka”

Ka-60 "Killer Whale" is a Russian multi-purpose military transport helicopter with a length of 16 m and a wingspan of 14 meters. This model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 308 km per hour. One fully filled tank will last the aircraft approximately 615 kilometers.

6. Attack helicopter - Mi-24

Mi-24 is a Soviet/Russian attack helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M. L. Mil. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 335 kilometers per hour. The length of the model is approximately 18 m, and the wingspan is 6.5 meters. The model made its first flight in 1969. The cost of the Mi-24 is approximately 12 million US dollars.

7. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-26

Mi-26 is a Soviet heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M. L. Mil. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 295 kilometers per hour. This sample weighs 28 tons, and is approximately 40 meters long, while the flight range from one fully filled tank is approximately 800 km. The cost of the Mi-26 is about 18 million US dollars.

8. Attack helicopter - Agusta A129 Mangusta

Agusta A129 Mangusta is an attack helicopter developed by the Italian company Agusta. The presented model weighs 2.5 tons, while the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 352 kilometers per hour. The length of this sample is approximately 14 meters, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 510 km. It made its first flight on September 15, 1983. The Agusta A129 Mangusta costs about 22 million US dollars.

9. Attack helicopter - Bell AH-1Z Viper

Bell AH-1Z Viper is an American attack helicopter based on the Bell AH-1 Super Cobra. The presented model weighs 5.5 tons, while the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 411 kilometers per hour. The length of this sample is approximately 18 meters, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 685 km. It made its first flight on December 8, 2000. The Bell AH-1Z Viper costs about $31 million.

10. Military transport helicopter - Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Boeing CH-47 Chinook- This is a heavy military transport helicopter with a longitudinal design. In the United States Army, it replaced the CH-54 model and has been widely used since the early 1960s, exported to 16 countries. The length of this sample is approximately 30 meters. It made its first flight in 1962. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook costs about $35 million.

11. Multi-role helicopter - Bell UH-1 Iroquois

Bell UH-1 "Iroquois" is an American multi-purpose helicopter created by Bell Helicopter Textron. It is one of the most famous and popular machines in the history of helicopter manufacturing. Serial production began in 1960. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine. It made its first flight on October 20, 1956, and was put into operation at the end of 1959.

12. Attack helicopter - Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is a South African attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aerospace Systems. This model weighs about 5,730 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank reaches about 740 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the model is approximately 309 km/h. The aircraft made its first flight in 1990. The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk costs approximately $40 million.

13. Attack helicopter - Eurocopter Tiger

Eurocopter Tiger is a modern attack helicopter developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter. This model weighs about 3060 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank reaches about 800 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the model is approximately 230 km/h. The aircraft made its first flight in April 1990.

14. Attack helicopter - Ka-52 “Alligator”

Ka-52 "Alligator" is a Russian attack helicopter that is capable of hitting armored vehicles, manpower and air targets on the battlefield. It is a modernized version of the Ka-50 “Black Shark” model.

15. Attack helicopter - CAIC WZ-10

CAIC WZ-10 is an attack helicopter manufactured by the People's Republic of China. Developed with the participation of Russian scientists. Adopted by the PLA in February 2011. The model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 300 km/h. It weighs about 5540 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 820 kilometers. The sample made its first flight on April 29, 2003.

16. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-2

Mi-2 is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau in the early 1960s. In 1965, mass production was launched in Poland. Widely used to perform a variety of civil and military tasks. Its length is 11 m and its wingspan is 14 meters. The model is equipped with a powerful GTD-350 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 200 kilometers per hour.

17. Attack helicopter - Ka-50

Ka-50 is a Soviet/Russian single-seat attack helicopter designed to destroy armored and mechanized vehicles, air targets and manpower on the battlefield. Its length is 16 m and its wingspan is 14 meters. The model is equipped with a powerful TV3-117 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 390 kilometers per hour. Made its first flight on June 17, 1982. The Ka-50 costs about 16 million US dollars.

18. Multi-purpose helicopter - Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is an American multi-purpose helicopter that entered service with the United States Army, replacing the previous Bell UH-1 model. The maximum permissible flight speed of this aircraft is 294 kilometers per hour. Its length reaches 20 m, and its wingspan is 16 meters. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk costs approximately $21 million.

19. Multi-purpose helicopter - Mi-8

Mi-8 is a Soviet/Russian multi-purpose helicopter developed at the Moscow plant named after M.L. Mile. It is the most popular twin-engine helicopter in the world. The presented model is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 260 kilometers per hour. The length of the model is approximately 18 m, and the wingspan is 21 meters. The model made its first flight in 1967.

And aircraft lovers will certainly be interested in looking at these

Today, the armed forces of the leading powers include many of the most different types combat helicopters. But it is strike aircraft that attract the greatest interest among aviation enthusiasts. After all, they not only have impressive aesthetics, but also incredible firepower. We will introduce you to the brightest representatives of the combat helicopter industry and tell you about its prospects.

"Cobras" and "Apaches". "Shaitan Arba" by Uncle Sam

The Americans pioneered the attack helicopter concept. This is all due to the war in Vietnam, which gave rise to the need to create a specialized combat helicopter. It was the Bell AH-1 Cobra. However, the glory of the “Cobra” was eclipsed by the legendary multi-purpose helicopter Bell UH-1 Iroquois (“Huey”), which became a symbol vietnam war. Unlike the Cobra, the Huey was capable of not only attacking ground targets, but also delivering cargo and troops. It was this type of vehicle that turned out to be most in demand during the Vietnam campaign. However, after analyzing the experience of using the AH-1, the Americans came to the conclusion that the concept of an attack helicopter has a right to exist.

It was reborn in 1972, when the US Army began a program to create a new combat helicopter. It was necessary to fight Soviet tanks. This is how the AH-64, the famous Apache, developed by Hughes Helicopters, was born. For obvious reasons, he was not destined to prove his effectiveness in the fight against the latest Soviet armored vehicles. But the AH-64 Apache proved itself with positive side during numerous local conflicts, and received his baptism of fire during the American invasion of Panama in 1989. But the real testing ground for the new helicopter was Operation Desert Storm in 1991. It was the AH-64, operating as part of an international coalition, that defeated the army of Saddam Hussein. Since then, the Apache has been an integral part of any American military conflict.

AH-64 Apache / ©Getty

But the first large-scale modification of the helicopter is the AH-64A. The crew of the car is two people. Good armor of the cabin and vital systems made it possible to survive shelling from the ground. First of all, the armor protected the vehicle from bullets and small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery. Since the main task of the helicopter was to fight enemy armored vehicles, the weapons were appropriate. Its basis was the AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with semi-active laser guidance. "Apache" could take on board up to sixteen such ATGMs. In addition to guided missiles, the AH-64's weapons range included a 30 mm cannon and unguided missiles.

In 1995, a new modification of the AH-64, the AH-64D, was adopted by the US Army. The new Apache was destined to become the basis of the strike aircraft of the US Ground Forces for many years. The AH-64D has evolved into an all-weather combat helicopter capable of performing combat missions day and night with equal efficiency, in any weather conditions. The Americans have modernized many components of the helicopter's on-board electronics, making it a real flying computer. The main innovation of this machine is a millimeter-wave radar. It was placed in a special container installed above the main rotor. The APG-78 radar allowed the Apache to detect and recognize ground targets at a range of up to 8 km. In our time, when a combat helicopter has to deal with advanced anti-aircraft missile systems, the use of such a radar can save the helicopter itself and the lives of its crew. The AH-64D operator can target guided and unguided weapons using the TADS electro-optical system. It allows you to effectively detect ground targets in the television and infrared ranges. One of the main features of the helicopter is the ability to communicate with other army units. A significant difference between the AH-64D Apache Longbow and the first production modification was that the new helicopter received an improved Hellfire complex - AGM-114L with a radar guidance system. This complex allowed the helicopter to launch ATGMs without prior visual contact with the target. Detecting a target and aiming guided weapons at it became the prerogative of on-board electronics, and the crew was able to operate from cover. With the installation of the radar, there was no longer any need to illuminate the target with a laser until the missile hit it. Now the pilot and operator could work on the “fire and forget” principle. The new Russian Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters should soon learn how to do this.

“Shaitan arba” (translated from Arabic as “devil’s chariot”) - this is what the Afghan Mujahideen called the Mi-24 helicopter. The Soviet "Crocodiles" could almost unhinderedly strike at the positions of the dushmans until the latter appeared in portable anti-aircraft missile systems(MANPADS). The use of MANPADS by the Mujahideen forced Soviet pilots to change tactics. Now they flew at extremely low altitude, maneuvering between hills.

For now, the AH-64D is the main US attack helicopter. And he seems to be completely satisfied with the US military command, however, when it comes to weapons, the Americans do not like to stand still. A new modification of the Apache is already ready - AH-64E. Apparently, this particular machine is destined to take the title of the main US attack helicopter in the near future. This is understandable, because the AH-64E absorbed all the best from its predecessors. The range of weapons of the new helicopter is almost identical to the AH-64D. And here's what has emerged: greater possibilities for electronic interaction, improved on-board electronics, wider use of composite materials in the structure, increased engine power, increased flight speed. Not long ago, the Boeing Corporation handed over the first 28 AH-64Es to the US Army. In total, 634 helicopters of this modification will be produced for the American military.

One of the most ambitious projects in the history of helicopter manufacturing is the American reconnaissance and attack helicopter Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche. The Comanche was the world's first helicopter built using stealth technology. But, having spent almost 8 (!) billion dollars, the United States curtailed the program in 2004. The main reason for this decision was Iraqi combat experience, which demonstrated the capabilities of drones.

The Americans have not forgotten about the ancestor of all attack helicopters - the AH-1 Cobra. Nowadays, various modifications of the AH-1 are in service with the US Marine Corps (MCC). Of course, the AH-1 has been modernized several times since the Vietnam War. In 1986, the Marines began operating the AH-1W Super Cobra. The car turned out to be successful. The Super Cobra is still the main attack helicopter of the US Marine Corps. Moreover, a new attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Viper, was developed on its basis. Being, in fact, a deep modernization of the AH-1 Cobra, the Viper has turned into a high-tech weapon of the 21st century. New composite materials are widely used in the design of the AH-1Z. Instead of a two-bladed main rotor, a four-bladed one was installed, which significantly increased the survivability of the vehicle. The attack helicopter received improved electronics: a new NTS (Night Targeting System) sighting system allowed it to effectively hit targets at any time of the day, under any weather conditions.

Bell AH-1Z Viper / ©carpatys.com

As often happens, increased combat capabilities had to be paid for with significantly increased mass. aircraft. An empty Viper is more than half a ton heavier than its predecessor, the Super Cobra. The price has also increased. If the AH-1W Super Cobra cost about 10 million dollars, then the new helicopter costs 27 million. At the same time, the Viper’s weapons are not too different from the range of the Super Cobra’s weapons. The guided weapons included the BGM-71 TOW ATGM, as well as the AGM-114 Hellfire. The Viper can take on board up to sixteen of both. Of course, the AH-1Z has a cannon and can use unguided missiles. Like the Super Cobra, the new helicopter is capable of using AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles. However, this is only an optional feature. The helicopter will be used last to hit air targets.

AH-1W Super Cobra / ©Alamy

Perhaps the most remarkable episode of the second Iraqi campaign is the alleged defeat of an American AH-64 Apache attack helicopter by an Iraqi peasant. Immediately after the helicopter was discovered, Iraqi authorities announced that the Apache had been shot down by a hunting rifle. In fact, no one shot down a helicopter. The AH-64, abandoned by its crew, was discovered by Iraqi peasants completely by accident.

Russia: “Night Hunter” and “Alligator”

The world-famous “Crocodile” Mi-24 was conceived as a multifunctional vehicle, capable of attacking ground targets and transporting cargo and troops. The realities of the Afghan war forced the Soviet military command to reconsider this concept. The Mi-24 has proven itself well in the role of an attack helicopter. And the functions of a military transport helicopter were taken over by the Mi-8.

At the end of the 80s, the Soviet military did not reinvent the wheel and followed the proven American path. This is how the first domestic specialized attack helicopters appeared. But fate was not too kind to the first-born. Neither the Mi-28A, nor even the legendary “Black Shark” (Ka-50 “Black Shark”) was destined to go into production.

Mi-28 / ©daler.ru

The situation began to change in the second half of the 2000s. It was then that the first supply contract was signed Air Force Russia a large batch of attack helicopters. The Ministry of Defense gave preference to the concept of a two-seat helicopter from the Mil Design Bureau. The single-seat Ka-50 was finally abandoned. There are still ongoing debates about whether this decision was correct. In any case, the choice of the Mi-28 as the main attack helicopter can be considered appropriate. The “tandem” concept of an attack helicopter, where the crew sits behind each other in the cockpit, has repeatedly proven its effectiveness. The Americans followed this path, and the Russian military took into account their combat experience.

The bet was placed on the Mi-28N night all-weather helicopter. It is the “Night Hunter,” as it was dubbed, that in the future, along with the Ka-52, will become Russia’s main attack helicopter. What's so special about the new car? Unlike its predecessors, the Mi-28N will be able to carry out assigned tasks day and night, in bad weather conditions. The sighting system allows the helicopter to find and recognize targets at a range of up to 10 km. The basis of its weapons is the Ataka-V anti-tank complex. The missile launch range is 10 km. The Mi-28N is noticeably heavier than its direct overseas counterpart, the Apache. The empty weight of the helicopter exceeds eight tons versus five tons for the modernized AN-64. But the engines of the domestic car are an order of magnitude more powerful. In emergency mode, their total power is 2700 hp. s., while the maximum engine power of the newest AH-64E is 2000 hp. With. The Mi-28N has better armor protection. Its crew cabin is capable of withstanding direct hits from 12mm bullets and light anti-aircraft artillery shells. As the military themselves say, the Mi-28N is resistant even to 30 mm caliber shells. However, in real combat conditions it is better not to test the survivability of an expensive combat vehicle. The most effective way to avoid damage is to work out of range of the enemy. This could be facilitated by a radar similar to that used on Apache Longbow helicopters. The millimeter radar for the Mi-28N was named N025. Like its American counterpart, it can detect and classify possible threats. So far, the development of the new radar station has not been completed, and no one can say with confidence the exact timing of its commissioning. The radar-equipped helicopter will receive the designation Mi-28NM. Most likely, we will not soon see a radar station on production vehicles. As you know, testing new avionics systems is a long and extremely expensive process.

Ka-52 / ©goodfon.ru

But with the radar station for the new Russian Ka-52 helicopter, the situation is more or less clear. According to Yuri Guskov, General Designer of OJSC Fazotron-NIIR Corporation, the FH01 radar complex for the Ka-52 helicopter has already passed all the necessary tests and is in serial production. To date, the OJSC has supplied the manufacturer with more than four dozen such complexes, and they are equipped with all Ka-52s entering service with the Russian Air Force.

The Ka-52 is a two-seat modification of the Ka-50. Moreover, the crew of the vehicle is not located “tandem”, but side by side. From its progenitor Ka-50, the new helicopter inherited a complex coaxial rotor design. The “Alligator,” as the helicopter was nicknamed in Russia, was developed as a command vehicle capable of providing guidance and target designation for the Ka-50. But the Ministry of Defense refused the latter. Perhaps in the future the Ka-52 will work in conjunction with the Mi-28N, transmitting tactical information to them in real time. In this case, the Night Hunters may not need the radar at all. It is noteworthy that the Americans implemented the same scheme, equipping radar stations only part of the new Apache helicopters.

In addition to advanced electronics, the Ka-52 boasts excellent flight performance, a high level of protection and an ejection system (which is completely absent on other attack helicopters). The Alligator's weapon range is comparable to that of the Mi-28N. Its basis is the Ataka-V ATGM with a laser guidance system. They decided to abandon the once promising anti-tank complex “Whirlwind”. We can say that weapons are the Achilles heel of Russian helicopters. In the future, it is planned to equip the Ka-52 with the new generation Hermes-A missile system. This should give the rotorcraft fundamentally new combat capabilities. The Hermes-A range is 15-20 km, which is almost twice the maximum launch range of the Ataka-V ATGM.

It is difficult to say which of all the above attack helicopters is more advanced. The combat effectiveness of a modern aircraft is determined, first of all, by the level of on-board electronics. Naturally, almost all data on avionics is classified. A comparison of “dry” flight performance characteristics can hardly give a detailed picture. One thing is certain - each of these helicopters has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Prospects

Most likely, the functions that attack helicopters currently perform will be taken over in the future unmanned vehicles. But it’s too early to completely write off rotorcraft. In 2010, Sikorsky sent the US Army command its proposals for a new combat rotorcraft project. The projected high-speed rotorcraft was named S-97 Raider. The basis for its creation was the experimental Sikorsky X2 helicopter.

S-97 Raider / ©goodfon.ru

The device is built according to a coaxial design (similar to the one used in the design of Kamov helicopters). In addition to the main rotor, the rotorcraft is equipped with an aircraft-type pusher propeller and small-area wings. According to the developers, this will allow the S-97 to reach speeds of up to 460 km/h. No modern military helicopter is capable of such speed. The undoubted advantage of the S-97 design is that, unlike ordinary helicopters, it will be able to fly even in high mountain conditions.

It is assumed that two modifications of the rotorcraft will be created: transport-combat and reconnaissance-strike. In the first version, the vehicle will accommodate up to six paratroopers. In the strike version, the free space behind the cockpit will accommodate a weapons bay and additional fuel tanks. But, most likely, the S-97 will never become a full-fledged replacement for the AH-64 or AH-1. The lack of necessary armor makes it not the most suitable vehicle for performing strike missions. On the other hand, it could be a suitable alternative to the outdated MH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa reconnaissance and attack helicopters.

In 1993, a Russian feature film was shot, the main character of which was the Ka-50 helicopter “Black Shark”. The plot of the film revolved around the testing of a new helicopter in Afghanistan. The Ka-50 was indeed tested in combat conditions, but not in Afghanistan, but on the territory of Chechnya. By the way, despite its advantages, the coaxial design of helicopter rotors has not become widespread. Currently, there is only one serial attack helicopter made according to this design - the Ka-52.

Russian designers are not sitting idle either. In 2010 Executive Director of the Russian Helicopters holding, Andrei Shibitov said that domestic specialists are working on the concept of a “fifth generation attack helicopter.” True, what exactly a new generation helicopter should be like does not seem to be known either in Russia itself or outside its borders. Unlike fighters, in world practice helicopters are generally not divided into generations.

Ka-58 as imagined by an artist / ©rotatingcomposites.com

According to domestic developers, one of the promising projects could serve as the basis for a new combat helicopter. Currently, Russia is developing three types of high-speed helicopters: Ka-90, Ka-92 and Mi-1X. Maximum speed The Ka-90 will have to exceed 800 km/h. The designers plan to achieve such indicators by installing a jet engine.

For a long time, information appeared on the Internet about a mysterious Russian attack helicopter made using stealth technology. It received the designation Ka-58 "Black Ghost". Now no one can say with certainty where exactly this information came from. Most likely, the “Black Ghost” was just a product of the imagination of aircraft modellers.

An artist's impression of the attack helicopter of the future / ©new-wall.com

Whatever the helicopter of the future, it is only clear that a full-fledged replacement for the Mi-28 and Ka-52 will not be needed very soon. This means that the military will not invest heavily in the development of fundamentally new attack helicopters. At least for now.

The vast majority of modern helicopters are built using a single-rotor design. Exceptions happen so rarely that they become a peculiar business card designers, or even the manufacturing country. In the USSR and Russia, such an exception was the Kamov Design Bureau, which designs coaxial helicopters.

And in the United States, Frank Piasecki went “against the rules” - his company became famous for helicopters with two longitudinally located propellers. The most famous of them is the Chinook, which is still in use today, is continuously being improved, and remains the main heavy helicopter of the US Army.

History of the CH-47

The creation of the Chinook is a fairly simple and short story, without tragic episodes.

In 1956, the US Army expressed a desire to replace the CH-37 helicopter with piston engines. new car with a gas turbine engine. Later, the requirements expanded - the helicopter was supposed to replace the cargo H-21 and H-34, while being able to transport up to 15 paratroopers.

The creator of the H-21 helicopter, the Piasecki Helicopter company (by this time renamed Vertol), was already developing a prototype of a new helicopter, the V-107, and it suited the military. But in the end, the V-107 was considered too light for transport missions and too heavy for attack missions.

From now on, the future “Iroquois” had to ensure tactical mobility, and the engineers had to create another “flying carriage”.

The V-107 eventually entered service with the US Navy and Marine Corps under the name CH-46.

The new, larger and more powerful helicopter from Vertol received the internal designation V-114, and the “military” designation HC-1B.

The Model 114 took off on its first flight in September 1961, after the company was purchased by Boeing. Already in 1962, the V-114 was put into service, renamed CH-47. And the emerging tradition of naming helicopters in honor of Indian tribes gave the CH-47 another name - “Chinook”.

CH-47 design description

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter is built according to the traditional Piasecki design with two longitudinal rotors. The scheme is perfect for transport workers - you can get a spacious compartment and make the most of its volume. True, due to the complexity of the design and worse maneuverability.

The first series of CH-47 helicopters flew with Lycoming T-55L-5 turboshaft engines producing 2,200 hp.

Later they were replaced by T55-L-7 engines (2650 hp), and version 47B - T55-L-7C (power reached 2850 hp). The power of the power plant of later Chinook models was increased to 6500 hp, and these engines belonged to the same T-55 family.

In all variants, turbines are installed in the tail of the helicopter, on both sides of the main rotor. Torque is transmitted to the CH-47 propellers through engine gearboxes, the main gearbox, connecting shafts and propeller gearboxes. The transmission is cooled by air coming from the air intake in the rear pylon. The helicopter's lubrication system is duplicated; 330 minutes of operation without oil are allowed.

Three-bladed propellers with a diameter of 18.3 m (for the CH-47 F helicopter) rotate in opposite directions. The rectangular blades are made of fiberglass, the toe is encased in a titanium alloy. An anti-icing system can be installed.

The all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage of the CH-47 is rectangular in cross-section, with rounded corners. The double crew cabin has two emergency doors, with a passage leading from the rear of the cabin into the cargo compartment. Inside the Chinook there are 33 seats along the sides, an additional row of 11 seats is located in the center, along the aisle.

Ambulance helicopters could accommodate up to 24 stretchers with wounded and two accompanying orderlies. The sliding door is on the starboard side of the CH-47, and in the rear there is a loading hatch with a folding ramp. The helicopter cabin has round windows, some of which are part of emergency escape hatches. To transport cargo on an external sling, the Chinook is equipped with three hooks. The central hook can take a weight of up to 11970 kg, the front and rear – 7140 kg each.

The CH-47 rotor pylons are on top of the fuselage.

Six protected fuel tanks are located along the sides, inside the fairings. If necessary, additional tanks (up to three pieces) with fuel are placed in the cargo compartment.

The capacity of the main Chinook tanks is 3900 liters, each additional tank is 3025 liters. The helicopter's four landing gear are non-retractable and have shock absorbers and hydraulic disc brakes. The wheels of the front struts are double, unsteerable. The rear wheels are steerable, single.

The Chinook's control system is equipped with hydraulic servos.

The main gearbox drives two alternating current generators that power two autonomous circuits of the electrical system. An auxiliary power unit is provided - gas turbine Solar T62, on the Boeing-Vertol CH-47A Chinook with a power of 80, and on the CH-47B/C Chinook - 90 hp.

Armament of the Chinook

Initially, it was not planned to arm the transport Chinooks, but the transitional modification of the CH-47 B was equipped with three machine gun mounts. M60D 7.62mm machine guns were installed in the doorways and on the cargo ramp. Subsequently, the weapons were replaced with M240 machine guns of a similar caliber.

The ACH-47 attack aircraft (Armed CH-47) had an impressive arsenal.

It carried up to five 7.62mm (or 12.7mm) machine guns, two 20mm automatic cannons, two pods of 70mm unguided rockets, and a 40mm grenade launcher. Machine guns were placed in doorways and portholes, a grenade launcher was located in a movable bow turret, and guns and units of unguided aircraft missiles were mounted on the front.

Modifications of the CH-47 helicopter

The cargo versions of the Chinook, from CH-47 A to F, differed from each other by installing more powerful engines, increasing payload capacity, and improving electronics. The F series helicopters also have a new fuselage design that simplifies maintenance.

The MH-47D modification should support special forces operations. The 160th Special Purpose Aviation Regiment received 12 pieces. They were equipped with an in-flight refueling system and a device for launching troops on cables.

The next series, E, had an increased flight range and new avionics. 26 units were built. In the mid-90s, the Royal Air Force ordered its own version of the Chinook for special operations - the Chinook HC3. Eight such helicopters were assembled, but due to problems with avionics they were converted into transport ones.

The newest special forces helicopter, the MH-47G, has improved electronic equipment and structural elements from the CH-47 F.

To meet the needs of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, the CH-47 J model was produced under license with different engines and avionics.

Civilian Chinooks were designated “model 234”. There were three options: passenger, transport, cargo-passenger. Passenger CH-47s could carry 44 passengers, with seats installed in four rows inside.

The “civilian” version of the D-series Chinooks began to be called “model 414”.

In 1965, four Chinooks were converted into ACH-47 heavy attack helicopters. Three of these attack aircraft, powerfully armed and protected by armor, were sent to Vietnam to undergo military tests, but logistical difficulties stalled the program. The helicopters that fought were lost in battle, and the only one that survived is still used as a training helicopter.

Performance characteristics of the CH-47 and similar helicopters

The table shows the basic data of the Chinook, comparing it with the closest domestic and foreign analogues. Low-volume and experimental helicopters are not taken into account.

Parameter	CH-47E	CH-53D	Mi-6	SA.321 SuperFrelon
Fuselage length, mm	1554	20470	33160	19400
Height, mm	5770	5220	9160	6660
Main screw diameter, mm	18590	22020	35000	18900
Cargo compartment length, mm	9200	9140	12000	7000
Cargo compartment width, mm	2290	1980	2500	1830
Cargo compartment height, mm	1980	2290	2650	1900
Maximum speed, km/h	298	307	340	249
Cargo weight in the cabin, kg	8164	13608	12000	6700
Weight of suspended cargo, kg	10341	9072	8000	5000
Flight range, km	2026	1641	1450	1020
Ceiling, m	3215	2195	2250	2170
Passenger capacity	up to 55	up to 55	up to 90	up to 37
Armament	3 x 7.62mm machine guns	2 x 12.7mm machine guns	1 x 12.7mm machine gun	1 x 20mm gun

The main competitor of the Chinook was its compatriot, the Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter. When the Marine Corps felt the need for heavy helicopters, it was the CH-53 that emerged as the winner of the announced competition. And the fleet used these helicopters as anti-submarine helicopters.

The French SuperFrelon (Super Hornet) helicopter, not inferior to the CH-47, turned out to be in little demand and was used primarily by the fleets of several countries, although China even established its licensed production. Choosing “Hornet” armed forces South Africa is generally easy to explain. France was not a member of NATO, and therefore could sell military equipment to South Africans.

The Soviet Union built direct analogues of the Chinook (longitudinal helicopters), but they were not widely used.

The only representative, the Yak-28, set two world records; during its entire service life, not a single disaster occurred with its participation. But the “circulation” of forty pieces (according to other sources - fifty) is a crumb compared to more than a thousand CH-47.

But it became widespread. It had impressive characteristics, set 16 world records, but was inferior to the CH-47 in durability and was not so widely distributed. And in combat, the “Hook” (NATO designation for the Mi-6) was used to a limited extent.

This in itself does not mean anything, but against the backdrop of the Chinook’s impressive achievements, it does not look like an advantage. The descendant of the “Hook”, the giant Mi-26, surpassed the CH-47 in capacity and payload capacity to such an extent that it can even be considered a representative of a different class.

Combat use of the Chinook

When the Vietnam War began, Chinooks were immediately sent there as part of the 1st Cavalry (Airmobile) Division. Helicopters carried soldiers, pulled out damaged equipment, transported armored personnel carriers and light tanks, and delivered artillery pieces to otherwise inaccessible positions.

In other words, they transported everything they could lift. CH-47s were used as improvised bombers, dropping tear or incendiary bombs from the tail hatch.

In the 70s, the United States supplied twin-propeller helicopters to Iran.

After the overthrow of the Shah, supplies of Chinooks ceased, and American CH-47s had to take part in the Iran-Iraq War. In 1982, Iranian Chinooks played a key role in Operation Fathol-Mobin, landing soldiers behind Iraqi lines.

In 1976, Libya acquired 24 Italian-built Chinooks. They saw limited use during the war with Chad, and by 2002 most of the Libyan CH-47s were sold due to the inability to maintain their operational condition.

In the Falklands, the Chinooks had to fight on both sides. The Argentines used four helicopters - the British destroyed one on the ground and captured the other. Three British CH-47s were lost along with the container ship Atlantic Conveyor, and the fourth became famous for transporting a total of 1,500 troops, 95 wounded, 650 prisoners of war and 550 tons of cargo.

Chinooks have been and continue to be used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The tasks of the honored helicopter remain the transfer of troops, the evacuation of damaged light equipment, and the supply of remote checkpoints.

Miscellaneous about CH-47

The already mentioned British Chinook with the call sign Bravo November, deployed in the Falklands, is famous not only for the volume of cargo transported. Along with the Atlantic Conveyor ship, not only other heavy helicopters were lost, but also all spare parts for the CH-47 along with tools.

During one flight, BravoNovember, “thanks to” an altimeter malfunction and poor visibility, hit the water at a speed of 175 km/h. The crew retained control of the vehicle and returned to base, and the damage was considered minor.

20 years later, the old Chinook (ordered back in 1978) distinguished itself in Iraq, delivering Royal Marines to the battlefield, and in 2006, in Afghanistan, evacuating wounded soldiers from Taliban fire. Four of the pilots who flew Bravo November were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

One American “Chinook” participated in a not so heroic, but no less interesting story. In 1988, Libyan forces abandoned an Mi-24 attack helicopter in the desert. To capture a sample of enemy equipment, the CH-47 took it out at night during a sandstorm. The operation ended successfully.

Conclusion

The predecessors of the Chinook, veterans of Korea, were outdated and went out of service quite quickly. But the CH-47 turned out to be a representative of equipment that was destined for a very long life. The newest and best, in the early sixties of the last century, it is still in operation and production to this day, 50 years later.

The helicopter did not set world records, did not exceed the parameters of its competitors - and yet many countries chose it.

This popularity cannot be attributed to American influence - the American CH-53 is much less common.

The qualities of the Chinooks were also proven by their rich (for a cargo, not even a universal model) combat career. And the fact that the experience of creating the Chinook did not allow the development of new vehicles can be explained simply - a replacement for the old CH-47 is not yet required.

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