Top 7 Attack Helicopters
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The military is one of our favorite topics here - but since we've already covered a wide
array of details like weaponry, vehicles, fleets and more - let's move on to something
a little more ....whirly-er. Since helicopters are able to assume VTOL (or, vertical takeoff
and landing) flying procedures, these rotorcraft can be used in otherwise cramped or un-flyable
regions where fixed-wing aircraft simply cannot go. From impressive builds to full-on marvels
of modern engineering, today - let's look at the top seven attack helicopters.
Number seven - the CAIC Z-10.
This Chinese attack helicopter (also referred to as the WZ-10, Fierce Thunderbolt and Black
Whirlwind) was developed by the People's Republic of China, flight tested by the 602nd Research
Institute and has been being manufactured by the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
since its first flight in April of 2003. Designed to primarily be used for anti-tank warfare
missions, the Z-10 has secondary air-to-air capability as well. Boasting stepped tandem
cockpits, a standard gunship configuration and exceptionally narrow fuselage, the Z-10
is unique in that the pilot area may sometimes be found in the rear. With a wide array of
missiles and cannons available - this chopper kicks things off hot.
Number six - the Denel Rooivalk.
Translating to "Red Kestral" in its native Afrikaans, the Denel Rooivalk is one of 12
impressive attack helicopters manufactured by Denel of South Africa between 1990 and
2007. Designed to comfortably operate for extended periods of time without sophisticated
support, the Rooivalk is a product of the South African Air Force's decades of experience
operating aircraft in the harsh African environment. With specialities in heliborne escort, close
air support, reconnaissance, anti-armor and deep penetration missions - its impressive
array of features made this fighting 'copter the once record-holding "only whirlybird in
the world capable of performing a backflip".
Number five - the Bell AH-1 SuperCobra.
Once the proud backbone of the United States Marine Corps's attack helicopter fleet - the
AH-1 SuperCobra is where things start to get a little more tough. Based upon the US Army's
own single-engine AH-1 Cobra design - this twin-engine attack helicopter is part of the
even larger Huey family - which includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra,
and the AH-1W SuperCobra. Early generations were developed in the mid-1960s by the US
Army as a gunship only intended to be used in the interim period during the Vietnam War,
although after several decades of use - almost 1,300 have been built and continue to be actively
used today, only recently being phased out in favor of the Bell AH-1Z Viper.
Number four - the Airbus Helicopters Tiger.
Formerly known as the Eurocopter Tiger - this four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter
first took flight back in April of 1991. Manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (then known as Eurocopter),
this bastard of the sky is known as the first all-composite helicopter to be developed in
Europe - commonly referred to as the Tiger in Germany and Tigre in Spain. Used in combat
in Libya, Afghanistan and Mali - its powerful engines and wide range of compatible weaponry
make this one a formidable foe that's capable of operating night and day in all-weather
conditions and able to undertake armed reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-tank, close air support,
escort and protection missions. In other words - look out.
Number three - the Kamov KA-52.
This next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter is the 2-seat version of the KA-50
- designed with some nefarious capabilities in mind. With the ability to destroy tanks,
armored and non-armored ground targets and enemy troops and helicopters (both on the
front line and tactical reserves), this attack helicopter doubles as a transport vehicle
as well. Equipped with an up-to-the-minute avionics suite and a slew of powerful offensive
weapons (that may be configured for a huge range of combat missions) - the KA-52's two
VK-2500 turboshaft engines allow it to operate at breathtaking altitudes that exceed 5,000
meters. Able to be flown by either of its two pilots, it offers notable protection and
a hell of a lot of offense.
Number two - the Bell AH-1Z Viper.
Featuring a four-blade composite main rotor system that's free of bearings - with both
an uprated transmission and a new target sighting system - this attack 'heli was developed for
the United States Marine Corps as part of the H-1 upgrade program (an initiative put
into place to replace aging fleets of SuperCobras and Twin Hueys). Incorporating new rotor technology
with a host of upgraded military avionics, electro-optical sensors, an integrated weapons
platform and advanced weapons systems - it's able to locate targets at greater distances
and attack using precision weaponry. Long hailed as a flexible, capable and dependable
unit - this multi-mission copter does a little of everything.
Number one - the Boeing AH-64 Apache.
You know that once we reach the end, things have become a little crazy. This is a good
time to mention the Apache comes with a 30 millimeter M230 chain gun that is carried between the
main landing gear - just underneath the aircraft's forward fuselage. It's no wonder this helicopter
was once considered the most powerful to be used during the time of the Gulf War. This
American four-blade, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter features a dual two-man cockpit
with a nose-mounted sensor suite that facilitate its impressive target acquisition and night
vision systems - a cherry on top to its all-weather, night and day flight capability. Produced
since 1983, well over 2,000 Apache's have been produced and unleashed into the sky above.
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