Top 10 Most Feared Helicopters On The Battlefield

Top 10 Most Feared Helicopters on the Battlefield The militaries around the world have experimented with the development of attack helicopters since the 1940s. These helicopters are purpose-built military aircraft that have the ability to decimate the enemy's fighting capabilities by going after troop concentrations, armored vehicles and even maritime vessels. Most of them also carry air-to-air weapons that can be fired at airborne threats. If deployed effectively, attack helicopters can turn the tide of war and help secure victory on the battlefield. Generally, the Sikorsky YR-4B is recognized as the world's first production helicopter and the U.S. Army Air Force's first service helicopter. But since the Sikorsky's relatively simple design, assault helicopters have developed into some of the most dreaded weapons an army can use in battle. Here are, if you have to know, the top 10 most feared helicopters on the battlefield. 10. Bell H-1Z Viper The Bell AH-1Z Viper is built by Bell Helicopters during the 1990s and 2000s and serves as the primary attack helicopter of the United States Marine Corps. It's a fearsome weapons platform that can fly as high as 20,000 feet and cruise at over 230 mph. Its weapons include Hellfire missiles, rockets and the notorious 20mm Gatling gun. The Viper is also equipped for night operations and has an Advanced Electronic Warfare self-protection suite for defense purposes. 9. MI-28 Havoc The MIL-MI-28 was a product of the Cold War designed as an anti-tank attack. The nickname Havoc was given by NATO and it's a fitting moniker considering the amount of damage a single one of these can cause on the battlefield. The helicopter is equipped with two stubby swept-back wings with four suspension units that can be configured to carry a variety of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, heavy machine guns and unguided rockets. The MI-28 also packs a 30mm cannon with a muzzle velocity of 1,000m per second. 8. Eurocopter Tiger The Eurocopter Tiger is a four-blade twin-engine attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It's manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. It was co-developed by France and Germany. Its armament includes 70mm Hydro rockets, Stinger missiles and different types of machine guns. The Eurocopter Tiger also has an advanced electronic countermeasure suite to protect itself just in case the enemy chooses to stand and fight. 7. CAIC Z-10 The CAIC Z-10, also called WZ-10, is a Chinese medium attack helicopter developed for the People's Liberation Army Ground Force. The first units of the Z-10 were delivered to the People's Liberation Army in 2009. It is designed primarily for anti-tank warfare missions, but has secondary air-to-air combat capability as well. 6. Agusta AW129 Mangusta The AW129 is Italy's primary multi-role helicopter and can be equipped for a wide variety of combat missions. The helicopter can carry both air-to-ground and air-to-air weaponry depending on the mission. It can also be fitted with external fuel tanks, greatly extending its operational range and giving it an edge over the opposition. The AW129 Mangusta has been successfully deployed in combat with the United Nations in countries like Somalia, Angola and Kosovo. 5. AH-2 Ruivalc The Denel Ruivalc is an attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. Ruivalc is Afrikaans for Red Falcon and has a top speed of over 190 miles per hour. It's not all about the speed though. The Ruivalc is also a potent weapons platform that can inflict serious damage on the enemy. The weapon pylons on its wings can be equipped to carry 90mm unguided rockets and air-to-air missiles. There is also a powerful 20mm cannon for close combat engagements. 4. MIL-MI-24 Hind The MIL-MI-24 is a large attack helicopter gunship in low-capacity troop transport with room for eight passengers. It's produced by MIL Moscow Helicopter Plant and has been operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force. The MI-24 is a massive attack helicopter that's designed for close air support of ground troops. The helicopter is powered by two 1.638-kilowatt over 200-horsepower engines that can propel the aircraft at speeds up to 205 miles per hour. 3. OH-58 Kiowa The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was the U.S. Army's workhorse for nearly 50 years. In support of war and contingency operations, the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior performs armed reconnaissance, security, target acquisition and designation, command and control, light assault and defensive air combat missions. The four-bladed single-engine helicopter with cutting-edge vision, navigation, communication and weapons capabilities, as well as cockpit integration. The Kiowa can also operate day and night by housing a thermal imaging system. 2. Boeing AH-64 Apache The Imperious AH-64 Apache helicopter is the most technologically advanced helicopter in the United States Army inventory. It's basically a flying tank and is equipped with a host of gadgets that can make life very unpleasant for its enemies on the battlefield. The first unit was delivered to the Army in 1997, and since then the Apaches have seen extensive combat in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Panama. 1. Kamov KA-52 There are some arguments that the KA-52 is the deadliest attack helicopter in existence today. The KA-52 Alligator is a twin-seat variant all-weather attack helicopter operated by the Russian Air Force and developed by Kamov Design Bureau. However, the KA-52 does have a 683-mile operational range, more than double that of the Apache. It is also well-armored and can unleash a host of missiles and rockets with devastating effect.