Top 10 combat helicopters in the world

American newspaper recently voted the Top 10 best combat helicopters in the world, past and present.

Based on criteria such as electronic systems, flexibility, speed and firepower, the 10 helicopters below were voted by the American news site Wonderslist as the world's top combat helicopters past and present (10 Best Attack Helicopters in The World)

Helicopters are one of the indispensable weapons of the armies of many countries. They began to develop rapidly after World War II, especially in the US after the Vietnam War. The Top 10 below are considered the killers with the strongest attack capabilities.

Attack helicopters are equipped to attack ground targets such as infantry, armored vehicles, and enemy structures with autocannons, machine guns, rockets, and precision-guided missiles such as the Hellfire. Many attack helicopters are also capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, although this is primarily for self-defense purposes.

Currently, combat helicopters have two main roles, providing direct and accurate close air support for infantry, and undertaking anti-tank missions such as enemy armor concentrations. In addition, light combat helicopters are also used for armed reconnaissance roles.

1. AH-64D Apache

The Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter is known as the most powerful and superior weapon system in the US Gulf War. It is designed to carry out combat missions day and night, even in adverse weather conditions.

In fact, the AH-64D Apache was born to satisfy the needs of the US military in an ambitious plan called the High-Tech Helicopter Assault Plan.

The Apache is equipped with advanced electronic technology and intelligent fire control system. The firepower is considered excellent. The Apache is equipped with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 76 70mm folding wing rockets and 1,200 30mm ammunition for the M230 automatic cannon.

2. Kamov KA-50/KA-52

The Russian Kamov Ka-50 "Black Shark" single-seat attack helicopter uses a special coaxial rotor system developed by the Russian Kamov Helicopter Design Bureau. The Kamov KA-50/KA-52 was originally developed in the 1980s and has been in service with the Russian military since 1995.

The Ka-50 has a compact, mobile and flexible design, so its destructive power and survival rate are very high. With minimal weight, reasonable size, 250 km operating radius, high speed of 350 km/h, the Kamov KA-50/KA-52 is considered a formidable "destroyer" to the enemy.

The Ka-50 Hokum can carry up to 24 Vikhr missiles and four ammunition tanks, each with 20 rockets. In addition, the Kamov KA-50/KA-52 is also equipped with AA-11/R-73 Archer air-to-air missiles and a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, along with many other weapons.

3. MI-28H Havoc (Russia)

The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name Havoc) is a Russian two-seat anti-armored combat helicopter. It was designed entirely for attack purposes, especially better at anti-tank than the Mil Mi-24. The Mil Mi-28 is also known as a "four-season" helicopter that can operate in all weather conditions, day and night.

Mil Mi-28 is equipped with 16 9M120 Ataka anti-tank missiles with a range of up to 8km and armor penetration capability of 950-1,000 mm after explosive-sensitive armor and a 30 mm Shipunov 2A42 cannon with strong firepower. In addition to Mi-28, Russia also developed another line of armed helicopters, the Ka-50. These two types of helicopters compete for orders from the Russian army as well as export orders.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

The Eurocopter Tiger is a combat helicopter developed by Germany and France through the Eurocopter consortium, the manufacturer's designation is EC665, and entered service in 2003, using twin turboshaft MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 engines.

Initially, the Eurocopter Tiger was known in Germany as the Panzerabwehrhubschrauber 2 (PAH-2 Anti-Armor Helicopter), and the German army when it first began using it called it the Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger (UHT Support Helicopter).

The Tiger's engines are manufactured by MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce GmbH (MTR) in Hallbergmoos near Munich. The helicopters are assembled in Donauwörth, Marignane, Albacete, and Australia. Since entering service, Tigers have seen combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.

5. AH-1Z Viper

The AH-1Z Viper or Zulu Cobra is a versatile, multi-role combat helicopter, using dual engines similar to the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter in service with the US Marine Corps' Air Combat Command (ACE). The AH-1Z Viper is tasked with supporting attacks and providing air fire support for landing units.

The AH-1Z has four wings, a new signal transmission system and targeting system. The AH-1Z is also an upgraded version of the H-1, with the mission of supporting attacks and providing air fire support for landing units.

According to Baodatviet