The fastest US military helicopter in the world

The US Army is preparing to put into service the S-97 Raider with a maximum speed of over 405 km/h, far surpassing the previous record of the CH-47F Chinook model.

S-97 helicopter during testing. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

The S-97 Raider is the latest helicopter developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army, capable of carrying 6 infantrymen and two pilots. This is considered the "latest major achievement" for the US Army. The use of coaxial rotor blades and a propeller at the tail is the secret to the S-97's speed.over 405 km/h, breaking the world's fastest speed record of 315 km/hof the CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter, according toBusiness Insider.

The manufacturer describes the S-97 as a light tactical helicopter, capable of operating in environments as hot as 35 degrees Celsius and at altitudes of over 3,000 meters. It can serve a variety of missions, such as ground attack support, reconnaissance, search and rescue, or even be converted into an unmanned helicopter.

Not only has high speed, S-97 is also equipped with many offensive weapons such as AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 70mm Hydra rockets, 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine guns. The aircraft is also relatively small in size, a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft can carry up to 4 S-97s at the same time.

The S-97 Raider is a product of the Armed Airborne Reconnaissance (AAS) project.worth 200 million USDThe S-97 was ordered by the US Army to replace the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter. Lockheed Martin is also offering the S-97 to the US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

According to VNE