The best attack helicopters in the world. Which helicopter is better? Top 10 coolest helicopters

First project aircraft, similar to a modern helicopter, was created by Leonardo da Vinci back in 1475. But for the first time a person managed to get off the ground in a rotorcraft only on September 29, 1907 - brothers Louis and Jacques Breguet made the first vertical flight in history in a helicopter built according to their own drawings.

But the Breguet brothers' helicopters, like all previous projects, were designed only for vertical lift. On May 18, 1911, Russian engineer Boris Yuryev published in the magazine “Automobile and Aeronautics” a diagram of a single-rotor helicopter with a tail rotor and an automatic blade swash. Until now, this mechanism is used on most helicopters and allows the machines to fly on a horizontal axis.

Speed ​​is important technical characteristics helicopter. To improve speed characteristics, developers use various load-bearing systems with different quantities propellers and blades, and some models are equipped with special pusher propellers. Behind hundred year history helicopters, aircraft designers managed to “accelerate” them to almost 500 km/h. This week, the editors of the Swedish Internet portal expressen.se compiled a rating of modern helicopters, naming the Top 10 fastest rotorcraft.

1st place
Helicopter Eurocopter X3. Maximum speed – 472 km/h
militaryfactory.com

Experimental hybrid helicopter (rotorcraft) created by Eurocopter. The first flight took place in 2010 in France
militaryfactory.com

2nd place
AH-64D Apache. Maximum speed – 365 km/h
thebrigade.com

Since the mid-1980s, the Apache has been the primary attack helicopter of the US Army. First saw action during the American invasion of Panama in 1989
airplane-pictures.net

3rd place
Ka-52 "Alligator". Maximum speed – 350 km/h
airwar.ru

The multi-role attack helicopter is a modernized version of the Ka-50 Black Shark. It made its first flight in 1997 and has been in serial production since 2008. The only combat helicopter in the world in the cockpit of which the pilots sit side by side and not behind each other
airwar.ru

4th place
NH90. Maximum speed – 324 km/h
defenseindustrydaily.com

The NH90 is a multi-role helicopter developed by Eurocopter. Made its first flight in 1995
defenseindustrydaily.com

5th place
Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Maximum speed – 315 km/h
boeing.com

American heavy military transport helicopter with a longitudinal design. In operation since the early 60s
boeing.com

6th place
Mi-35M. Maximum speed – 310 km/h
bmpd.livejournal.com

It is an improved modification of the Mi-24 helicopter. Serially produced since 2005
bmpd.livejournal.com

7th place
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin (until 2007 called EH101). Maximum speed – 309 km/h
aircraftcompare.com

Medium-lift helicopter used for military and civilian purposes. First flew in 1987
aircraftcompare.com

8th place
AgustaWestland AW139. Maximum speed – 306 km/h
avia.pro

Anglo-Italian twin-engine multi-purpose helicopter. The military version can accommodate up to 10 military personnel in full gear. The first flight took place in 2001
avia.pro

9th place
Mi-28N " Night Hunter" Maximum speed – 300 km/h
bmpd.livejournal.com

Until recently there was army aviation. Today, it is not only developing in numerous directions, but there is also a declaration on its transformation into the main strike force from the means of supporting the Ground Forces. A striking example A similar transformation was the creation and introduction into the troops of the newest attack helicopter Caic WZ 10. The letters WZ stand for Wuzhuang Zhishengji, which literally means “armed helicopter.”

History of the creation of the WZ-10 helicopter

Caic wz 10 is a Chinese attack helicopter that was adopted by the Chinese Army in February 2011. Official version China says that the caic wz 10 is its own development, but the helicopter was developed with the participation of Russian specialists. The wz 10 attack helicopter was built according to project 941, which was developed in 1995 by Russia.

The design of the helicopter was carried out at the Kamov Design Bureau by order of the Chinese government in accordance with the requirements according to which the aircraft must have a mass of six tons, as well as other flight characteristics. The participation of Russian specialists in the creation of the WZ-10 was limited only to the design of the machine. China independently built all flight prototypes for testing, as well as production vehicles. Specialists from the Middle Kingdom themselves finalized the project.

The helicopter's first flight took place in 2003. Production began in 2010, and the PLA WZ-10 entered service in February 2011.

Technical characteristics of the WZ-10 helicopter

The Caic WZ 10 helicopter has the following technical characteristics:

• The crew consists of 2 people: a weapons operator and a pilot.
• The fuselage length is 14.5 m.
• The main rotor diameter is 13 m.
• The empty weight of the helicopter is 5540 kg.
• The weight of the equipped helicopter is 7000 kg.
• The maximum take-off weight is 8000 kg.
• The power plant consists of 2 Zhuzhou WZ-9 turboshaft engines.
• Engine power is 2×1285 hp. With.
• The maximum speed is 300+ km/h.
• Cruising speed is 270+ km/h.
• The service ceiling is 6400 m.

Weapons:

• Small arms and cannon armament includes a 1x23 mm cannon.
• 4 suspension points.
• Guided missiles:
  • unguided rockets include 4 blocks of 90 mm or 57 mm caliber;
  • air-to-air missiles include the TY-90;
  • air-to-ground missiles include up to 8×HJ-10 Red Arrow ATGMs.

Design features of the WZ-10 helicopter

1. The helicopter is created according to the classic single-rotor design with a tail support and a retractable tricycle landing gear. The narrow fuselage, which is trapezoidal in cross-section, is made using composite materials and is also equipped with a short wing.
2. The crew is positioned in tandem. The glazing and cockpit of the helicopter are armored. For safety during an emergency landing, the landing gear is energy-absorbing and non-retractable. The pilots' on-board equipment follows the principle of a glass cockpit, for which large MFIs are installed. The crew seats and fuselage are designed to allow for a relatively rough emergency landing.
3. Caic WZ 10 is equipped with 2 turboshaft engines. Measures are used to reduce IR visibility. The blades are made of composite materials, and the main rotor consists of 4 blades.
4. The helicopter control system is electrically remote.
5. The body of the WZ-10 is made using stealth technology.
6. The helicopter's armament includes a fire protection system, which is located in the nose, as well as a 23-mm caliber rotary cannon. Guided missiles are mounted on 4 wing suspension points.

In 2012, the “Engine” scandal occurred. US authorities fined United Technologies Corporation, one of the largest financial and industrial groups in America, $75 million for illegally supplying engines to China. The engines were intended for WZ-10 helicopters. The production of engines was carried out by the American company Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies. For many years it sold engines to China for passenger and civil transport helicopters.

The engines that were supplied for the WZ-10 differed from the civilian versions only in software. As a result, China had to abandon the PT6C-76C engines that powered the first prototypes. Less powerful WZ-9 engines made in China began to be installed on production cars.

China has long claimed that the Caic WZ 10 is a completely Chinese development. However, in 2013, Sergei Mikheev, general designer of Kamov OJSC, said at the Heli-Expo exhibition that the helicopter was created on the basis of the preliminary design “941” and this information was kept secret for quite a long time.

Video about the Chinese helicopter WZ-10

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

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

Since their appearance, these vehicles have been used in almost all conflicts and have shown their value, sometimes serving as the only means of fire support. ground forces. Attack helicopters are most effective at fighting 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, Americans used combat “turntables” en masse during the Korean War. The helicopter, which always had many opponents, showed its best side.

After the Korean War, the armies of the world began to actively equip 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 intended exclusively for shock functions. And such a technique appeared.

The Cobra was created on the basis of the legendary UH-1 Iroquois. But the helicopter had completely different shapes, which have become classic for attack vehicles. The pilots were positioned one after another - 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 swift. The “Spinner” was widely used by the Americans in Vietnam and earned the love of soldiers and pilots.

A modern variant of the model is the Bell AH-1 "Super Cobra". 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 take-off weight: 6690 kg;
• payload weight: 1736 kg;
• powerplant: 2 General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshafts;
• engine power: 2 × 1723 l. With. (2 × 1285 kW);
• maximum speed: 282 km/h (at ground level);
• practical range: 518 km.

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

5. Mi-24 (USSR)

This rotorcraft is recognizable and covered in military glory. The Mi-24 is one of the most popular and widely used helicopters in the world.

Following the Cobra, it 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 in the Soviet Union. Many components and assemblies of the Mi-24 were borrowed from another, no less legendary car- Mi-8 transport and combat helicopter. Like the Americans, the Milevians created a narrow and fast strike model from a fairly heavy transport vehicle.

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 and increased its weight, on the other hand, the Mi-24 received greater flexibility of use. Although it was practically never used as a landing vehicle, the ability to transport excess cargo in the landing compartment, the wounded, and the crew of a damaged 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 manpower of the enemy. The helicopter had to get into the thick of the battle and deliver deadly blows. The designers protected the vehicle with powerful armor capable of withstanding 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 the modification), unguided and guided Sturm anti-tank missiles, bombs, built-in cannon containers, etc.

The Soviet helicopter, nicknamed “Crocodile” for its green elongated silhouette, received its baptism of fire in Afghanistan. Throughout all the years of the conflict, the Mi-24 acted as the winged guardian angels of paratroopers and infantrymen. The importance of this helicopter is very difficult to overestimate. Maneuverable, fast 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 on our planet. Everywhere it has established itself as an extremely reliable and durable machine.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2-3 people;
• maximum take-off 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 stretchers, 2 slightly wounded and a paramedic;
• maximum speed in horizontal 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 3,500 cars were produced. The 24P/K version of 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 quite a wealth of experience had been accumulated combat use attack helicopters.

The Germans and French believed that the basis for the survival of the combat aircraft of the future would not be thick armor and a strong design, but low visibility, the use of 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 kinds of sensors. The MEP sighting and navigation system has an overhead viewing system, like on the Apache Longbow. The Eurocopter was presented in several versions for France and Germany in attack 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 take-off weight: 6100 kg;
• fuel mass in internal tanks: 1080 kg (+ 555 kg in PTB);
• volume of fuel tanks: 1360 l (+ 2 × 350 l PTB);
• powerplant: 2 turboshafts MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR390;
• engine power: 2 × 1285 l. With.;
• maximum speed: 278 km/h;
• cruising speed: 230 km/h;
• practical range: 800 km.

The Eurocopter is in service not only in France and Germany, but also in Spain and Australia. At the same time, the helicopter, developed for cold war, turned out to be unnecessary for the dwindling European armies with the collapse of the USSR. As a result total of purchased vehicles differs significantly from what was planned.

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

3. Mi-28 flying tank

Work on this helicopter began almost immediately after the creation of the Mi-24. The 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 famous helicopter - the Ka-50 “Black Shark”.

Mi-28 was created according to new concept the use of combat helicopters - the closest possible flight to the ground, bending around the terrain, quickly searching and destroying targets. Great attention was paid to protection. Extensive experience in using the Mi-24 in Afghanistan and other hot spots indicated that the attack helicopter must be seriously protected. The cockpit and its glazing can withstand hits from 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets and 20 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells. The vehicle's engines are spaced as far apart as possible and are equipped with thermal filters to reduce the likelihood of being hit by missiles with thermal homing heads. The design of the hull and chassis allows the crew to survive a fall at speeds of up to 12 m/s.

Throughout the development period, the helicopter's armament was improved. The Mi-28N “Night Hunter” modification received the entire avionics complex for combat in various weather conditions and night time. The helicopter is equipped with a powerful 30-mm 2A42 cannon, which was installed on the BMP-2. The main weapon of the helicopter is the Ataka ATGM. The vehicle can also carry unguided weapons, missiles and bombs with a total weight of up to 2.5 tons.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people;
• maximum take-off weight: 12,100 kg;
• combat load weight: 2300 kg;
• fuel weight: 1500 kg;
• power plant: turboshaft VK-2500-02, 2700 l. With.;
• cruising speed: 265 km/h;
• flight range: 450 km.

After for long years lack of money, the Mi-28 is now actively purchased by the Russian armed forces. On this moment More than a hundred of these helicopters have been produced. In addition, contracts have been signed for supplies to Iraq, Egypt and Algeria. Only an almost complete absence combat experience and some avionics systems did not allow this wonderful helicopter to rise higher on our list.

2. Ka-52 “Alligator”

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

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.

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

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

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

But it turned out that purchases of the Ka-52 exceed purchases of the Mi-28. Both in the offices of the General Staff and on Internet forums, debates continue about which of these machines is better? Both have practically the same niche, similar characteristics, their own advantages and disadvantages. Apparently, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not decided on best model, because it is purchasing both helicopters in parallel.

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

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

The “main caliber” of the Ka-52 is the Vikhr supersonic anti-tank guided missiles. The helicopter can carry up to 32 such missiles at maximum load. The standard equipment is 16 Vikhr ATGMs and 2 units of unguided aircraft missiles. The vehicle can also carry bombs and air-to-air guided missiles.

Flight and technical characteristics:

• crew: 2 people (pilot and weapons operator);
• maximum take-off weight: 12,200 kg;
• power plant: 2 turboshaft VK-2500 manufactured by JSC 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. There are currently more than 70 Alligators in service with the Russian Armed Forces, competing with the American monster AN-64 Apache, our winner.

1. AN-64 “Apache”

The AN-64 became the most popular second-generation combat helicopter, and the most combative.

The first Cobra attack vehicle turned out to be extremely successful and performed well in Vietnam. At the same time, the US Army needed new model, better protected and carrying more powerful weapons. One of the main requirements was to ensure all-weather capability. As main task The new helicopter was called combat against enemy tanks (USSR). The layout of the AN-64 has become the standard for other attack helicopters. It is easy to see that the Mi-28 as a whole is completely identical to the American car.

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

Throughout life cycle“Apache” was continuously improved, trying to best match the threats in its combat characteristics. Initially, the main armament of the helicopter was the Hellfire ATGM with a laser guidance head. But with the advent of effective and numerous Tunguska short-range anti-aircraft systems in the USSR, it became clear that the helicopter would most likely be destroyed.

Then the Americans developed a modification of the AN-64D “Longbow” (“Longbow”). The Apache was equipped with an overhead radar and a new generation of Hellfire missiles with a “fire and forget” homing head, allowing the helicopter to change its location and “hide” after launch. The efficiency of new machines has increased significantly. It should be noted that no modern helicopter is equipped with such a system, 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 to their American competitor.

But not only this allowed Apache to take first place in our rating. Over the almost 30 years of its existence, the AN-64 managed to fight in many parts of the world. After Panama, the model’s main baptism of fire was Iraq. During Operation Desert Storm, it was the AN-64 that made 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 weapons operator);
• maximum take-off weight: 10,432 kg;
• power plant: 2 × General Electric turboprop 1890 hp. With.;
• maximum speed: 290 km/h;
• cruising speed: 250 km/h;
• practical range: 406 km;
• ferry range: 1899 km.

Currently, the 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 parts of the planet. In this helicopter, engineers were able to most successfully combine all the combat properties of current attack vehicles.

The Ka-52 Alligator is the best attack helicopter in the world. Its unconventional layout, fantastic maneuverability and powerful weapons leave even the legendary AN-64 Apache far behind the flag, not to mention other vehicles. Details in our review.

Invisible Dragon

The Changhe Z-10 attack helicopter is one of the few examples of Chinese military equipment, created in-house. Well, or almost. This decision was caused by the inability (due to US sanctions) to buy a modern combat helicopter abroad and copy it as usual. However, when the Z-10 acquired its shape and characteristics, it turned out that foreign countries still helped the Chinese Helicopter Engineering Institute.

Lacking modern turboshaft engines, China bought 10 engines for a pilot batch of helicopters from Pratt-Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., which was severely fined American authorities for the supply of military technologies to China. On production samples Z-10 are installed, according to official information, Chinese-made engines developed with the participation of Russian and Ukrainian specialists.

The French company Eurocopter developed the main rotor, and the Italian Agusta developed the transmission. The embargo was circumvented because, according to documents, the units were created for a civilian helicopter. And when the first photographs of the Chinese helicopter appeared, it became obvious that the designers of the Celestial Empire had invented the Apache, the faceted fuselage of which hints at the use of stealth technologies.

The helicopter is equipped with a fly-by-wire control system and a “glass cockpit”, where instrument readings, aeronautical and combat conditions are displayed on multifunctional displays. It also has a helmet-mounted targeting information system. The nose of the Z-10 is equipped with an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder and a night flight camera.

Changhe's main armament is eight HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, an analogue of the American AGM-114 Hellfire ATGM. The helicopter is also equipped with a 30mm cannon in the nose turret, unguided rockets and light air-to-air missiles to protect against air attack. In general, 30-year-old American technology, driven by low-power engines, may impress neighbors (who don't have one), but can't really stand up to the best cars in its class.

African crocodile

The South African Super Hind, manufactured by ATE, is one of numerous upgrades of the Soviet Mi-24, which were supplied by the hundreds to developing countries. The story of Hind specifically began with 40 Algerian helicopters transferred to South Africa for renovation. Compared to the Mi-24, its African descendant has a modified nose. The visibility from the cockpit has been improved, and new radio-electronic equipment has been installed. The centering of the vehicle has shifted back, resulting in improved maneuverability - especially when flying at ultra-low altitudes while avoiding obstacles.

The weight of the car has decreased by two tons. The crew is protected by Kevlar armor and equipped with multifunctional displays to obtain operational information. The Soviet 30-mm cannon in the nose of the helicopter was replaced by a 20-mm South African one. high speeds and pointing angles. IN top-end configuration The Super Hind is equipped with a helmet-mounted visor, allowing the pilot to control both the sighting system and the weapons with his gaze.

The helicopter is capable of using a wide range of Russian and South African weapons. The main strike weapons are Ingwe ATGMs - eight missiles can be placed in two launchers under the wings. During testing, more than 400 ATGMs were fired and 90 percent of them hit targets.

A decent car, and simply first-class for the African continent. But, despite all its advantages, the Mi-24 (Crocodile in air force slang) is a machine of yesterday. Especially if it’s not Russian guys flying it.

Plastic tiger

The creation of the Italian-French-German attack helicopter Eurocopter Tiger was prevented by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the withdrawal Soviet troops from Germany. The likelihood that the “Russians will come” decreased sharply and Germany immediately halved the plan for purchasing Tigers. France then switched financial flows from the Eurocopter to its own, named Jaffe (Cochet). Nevertheless, in 1994, the design of the machine was finally approved and it went into production.

The Tiger's fuselage and wing are made of carbon fiber, the fairings are made of fiberglass and Kevlar. Much attention is paid to survivability - the helicopter can easily withstand hits from 23-mm Shilka ZSU shells. The transmission gearbox can operate for 30 minutes without lubrication, and its excessive strength makes it insensitive to 12.7 mm bullets. The fixed three-post landing gear is capable of withstanding a hard landing with a vertical speed of up to 6 meters per second.

The cabin is two-seater, tandem: the pilot sits in front, the operator behind him. Their seats are shock-absorbing and armored. Tiger turned out to be the first production helicopter with liquid crystal displays, allowing readings to be read in any lighting conditions. The combined threat warning system is sensitive to both radar and laser beams. The crew is provided with helmet-mounted sights to control their weapons.

As for the weapons themselves, each country participating in the project has its own. Common only 30mm automatic cannon. On four hardpoints under the wings, the Tiger can carry eight Franco-German HOT ATGMs or the same number of Hellfires and four Mistral or Stinger defensive anti-aircraft missiles. Instead of ATGMs, you can hang blocks with 22 unguided missiles, heavy machine guns and additional fuel tanks.

Despite high tech and the general production culture, the fate of the eurocopter cannot be called enviable. The German Ministry of Defense declared the Tiger unfit for use due to numerous defects and shortcomings. 22 vehicles armed with AGM-114 Hellfire were purchased by Australia for subsequent modernization and adaptation. India and Saudi Arabia, but the deal did not take place.

Apache Chief

The army aviation of the USA, Great Britain, Israel, the Netherlands and Japan uses various modifications of the legendary AH-64 Apache. According to the terms of reference of the US Department of Defense formulated in 1972 new car it was supposed to fight tanks in conditions of active counteraction to air defense and electronic warfare at any time of the day and in any weather, to have good maneuverability, high survivability and autonomy. All US helicopter and a number of aircraft companies participated in the development of the attack helicopter; it took 12 years to fine-tune it; the Apache was accepted into service in 1984.

The leading edges of the main rotor blades are made of titanium - it can withstand light contact with trees and other obstacles, which is necessary for low-level flight around obstacles. Two 1625 horsepower turboshaft engines are separated and interchangeable. To reduce noise levels, the tail rotor is made X-shaped, and its blades are installed at different angles: each of them suppresses part of the noise produced by the previous one. The main struts of the fixed landing gear are equipped with powerful shock absorbers that can absorb impact energy during an emergency landing at a vertical speed of 12 meters per second.

The main armament of the AN-64 is the Hellfire ATGM, which operates on a fire-and-forget basis. The aiming and navigation system automatically locks on targets and fires at them. The module rotating in two planes on the nose of the helicopter has infrared and television cameras, as well as a laser range finder. Another system allows you to fly blind at any altitude. Information from its sensors is displayed on a color display and a helmet-mounted indicator.

The Apaches received their baptism of fire in Iraq. It was these helicopters that fired the first shots of Desert Storm, firing Hellfires at two Iraqi air defense radars in the suburbs of Baghdad on the night of January 17, 1991. Both radars were destroyed. Next, the AN-64s supported the ground operation, shooting down Iraqi tanks. According to various sources, the Apaches burned from 278 to 500 combat vehicles.

During the second war in Iraq and its occupation by American troops, the helicopter's weaknesses began to be identified. AN-64 is protected from machine gun and small-caliber fire anti-aircraft guns, but is defenseless against MANPADS - especially when flying at low altitude over urban areas, where the helicopter does not have time to perform an anti-aircraft maneuver. IN total In Iraq, about fifty Apaches were lost - some of them were burned by partisans, firing mortars at the locations of the American Air Force.

Currently in service is the Longbow modification. It is distinguished from the previous one by a powerful radar located above the main rotor and improved electronics. In particular, the integrated fire control system allows one helicopter from the group to observe targets and direct ATGMs fired by other vehicles from cover at them.

Symmetrical answer

No matter how good the Apache is - and it is really good and will remain NATO's main attack helicopter for the coming decades - it is far from being compared to the Russian Ka-52 Alligator. It is simply incorrect to compare them, since these are machines of different generations - like Farman and PAK FA: they perform the same tasks, but the difference is obvious.

Thanks to the coaxial design with two main rotors, the Ka-52 has fantastic maneuverability - it can fly backwards at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, and sideways at 100 kilometers per hour. The Alligator's maximum speed is also the best in its class - 370 km/h. The machine is capable of performing aerobatics that are not possible with classical helicopters. What is the “Funnel” figure worth when the Ka-52 circles over the target, constantly turning its nose towards it and pouring continuous fire on it. The helicopter is also capable of performing airplane aerobatics: rolls, oblique loops and other elements.

Coaxial propellers provided the Ka-52 with true all-weather capability - it can fly against a hurricane at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour, clearly maintaining its route and location according to satellite navigation. The take-off power of each of the two engines is 2500 horsepower; if one engine fails, the other produces up to 2800. There is a surge recovery mode and automatic start after the engine stops in the air.

The surveillance, aerobatic and search and targeting systems are integrated into a single digital complex with an on-board computer, a defense complex and three radio stations. The Ka-52 is capable of detecting, tracking and firing at targets (including subtle ones) at any time of the day and in thick fog. The on-board electronics have an open architecture, allowing you to install new ones if necessary. software without replacing hardware.

The Alligator is armed with a Whirlwind ATGM with a laser guidance system and a tandem warhead. The missile penetrates 900mm armor, regardless of active protection. The first stage of the warhead is reflected by the protection, and the second stage burns through any tank from any projection, creating a local hell inside. With a series of "Whirlwinds" the helicopter covers four targets in 30 seconds. Americans have such characteristics so far only on paper - in promising system, commissioned by DAPRA.

For dealing with lightly armored targets, radars and anti-aircraft installations The Ka-52 has a 30mm automatic cannon. It is located near the center of mass, which increases shooting accuracy, speed and maneuverability of the vehicle. The shells penetrate 15 mm armor at a distance of 1500 meters at an impact angle of 60 degrees - an unattainable indicator in the world. No other air gun in the world is capable of this.

The Alligator's cabin is armored, the fuel system is protected from explosion and fire. Experiments have shown that a helicopter can continue to fly even if the tail unit is completely destroyed, while the Apache gets out of control if the tail rotor is damaged. If both engines fail, the Ka-52 plans to autorotate. The hard landing is compensated for by shock absorbers and landing gear struts, an armored nose section and crushable blocks under the seats. Ejection seats are designed taking into account helicopter specifics. In an emergency, strips of explosives break the cockpit glazing, and the propeller blades are shot off.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has ordered 240 Ka-52 helicopters, more than 50 have already entered service with the troops. More than a hundred "Alligators" will be put into service Navy- to support landings and hunt ships of small and medium tonnage.

Helicopter - today it is the most effective remedy, used for material technical support, in military operations and rescue operations. Since the first World War II, participation in Vietnam War and until now, best helicopters helped change the course of events on the battlefield. Here are the top ten combat helicopters in the world. Each is characterized by features of electronic equipment, speed characteristics, and firepower. The list of the fastest helicopters and advanced jet fighters is also of interest. This is a rating of the best combat helicopters in the world.

The Z-10 attack helicopter was introduced into service with the Chinese Army in 2008-2009. The Z-10 has the configuration of a conventional heavily armed helicopter, with a narrow fuselage and a stepped two-seat cockpit. The gunner is on the front panel and the pilot is on the rear panel. The Z-10's armament could consist of a 30 mm machine gun mount, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to the TOW-2A), the newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to the AGM-114 Hellfire) and the TY-90 air-to-air missile -air". It also carries a unit of unguided aircraft missiles.

8. AH-2 Rooivalk

7. AH-1W "Super Cobra"

6. A-129/T-129 (Italy/Türkiye)

5. AH-1Z "Viper"

4. Eurocopter Tiger

3. Mi-28H Havoc (Russia)

2. Kamov KA-50/KA-52

1. AH-64D Apache Long Bow