Are you looking to learn more about the most advanced attack helicopters in use around the world today? From the legendary Apache of the United States to Russia’s formidable Mi-28, Europe’s Tiger and China’s Z-10, this post dives into some of the best modern attack helicopter designs from four major superpowers. We’ve also included their various weapons capabilities and unique features that set them apart.

Attack helicopters trace their roots back to World War II—long before helicopters were successful. During the war, pilots demonstrated that small, slow aircraft could be used successfully against ground troops and tanks.

Most notably, the US Army used the Piper Cub’s military version, the L-4, armed with as many as six bazookas. They showed great potential for destroying enemy tanks and clearing the way for ground forces.

While those Piper Cubs were a long way from today’s advanced helicopters, they did have similar performance profiles. After all, attack helicopters are generally small and slow compared to many other types of military airplanes. However, that’s their advantage–they are easy to hide and can pop up out of nowhere to take the enemy by surprise.

As helicopters advanced in technology, so too did their armaments and missions. Helicopters saw extensive use in Korea and Vietnam. Like that Piper Cub drafted into military service, early helicopters were modified civilian models armed and made ready for war. The first ground-up design of an attack helicopter was the AH-1 Cobra, made by Bell Helicopters.


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Today’s best attack helicopters are mission-specific gunships. The key to making these flying machines viable for an army or air force is emphasizing their multi-role capabilities. Of the many missions that light to medium-duty helicopters can perform, they can:

  • Attack
  • Gunship
  • Anti-armor
  • Ground attack
  • Armed reconnaissance
  • Fire support/escort
  • Covering force
  • Light troop transport
  • Deep penetration missions

The Best US Attack Helicopters 

The best attack helicopter currently in service with the US is the AH-64 Apache. The AH-64 Apache is considered one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, and has been used by many militaries around the world for decades. It is equipped with a variety of weapon systems including Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon. For self-defense, the Apache is also equipped with Stinger and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The AH-64 Apache is capable of operating in all weather conditions and can be used for close air support, reconnaissance, anti-tank warfare, as well as air to air combat. The AH-64 Apache is the most powerful attack helicopter in the US arsenal.

1. Boeing AH-64 Apache (USA)

The Apache is arguably the most successful attack helicopter of all time. After all, it is most likely the first make and model that comes to mind when discussing this type of aircraft. While aerospace giant Boeing currently builds it, the design was made by Hughes Aircraft, which was bought out by McDonnell-Douglas, which later merged with Boeing. 

The Apache AH-64D has seen extensive use over the past three decades, from attacks on Iraq’s radar system during the Gulf War and later operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to NATO intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo to Israeli action in Lebanon and Israeli action against Hamas and Hezbollah.

It first flew in 1975, but it wasn’t until 1986 that it was introduced into service. Today, Apaches fly for many air forces around the globe. The primary operators are the US Army and the Israeli, Egyptian, and Royal Netherlands air forces. Over 2,500 Apaches have been made. AugustaWestland has built the type under a license agreement in England for British forces.

It is a twin-engine attack helicopter with armor-piercing armaments, including an M230 30-mm cannon, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets, and laser-guided Hellfire missiles with a rate of fire of 600 to 650 rounds per minute. It has a combat speed of 166 mph, top speed of 188 mph, range of 260 mi, and gross weight of 26,260 lbs.

The Apache is a two-crew member helo. The crew sits in tandem, one in front of the other. Both stations have full flight and weapon controls for redundancy. It’s a multi-role chopper designed with versatility in mind.

The current version of the aircraft is the Boeing AH-64E Apache. It has a 48-foot (14.63 m) diameter rotor system, a mission weight of 15,075 pounds (6,838 kg), and a max gross weight of 23,000 pounds (10,432 kg). With a 150 knot or more top cruising speed, climb rate of 2,800+ ft. (853+ m) per minute and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, there aren’t too many missions that the Apache doesn’t excel in.

2. Black Hawk Utility Helicopter UH/HH-60

The Black Hawk is famous in part for Black Hawk Down, the 2001 Oscar-winning Ridley Scott film based on the 1999 book on the downing of a US Black Hawk during the Somali Civil War. The incident may have helped cause the Clinton administration’s non-intervention during the Rwandan Genocide.

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Despite the incident, the Black Hawk is viewed as a fast and effective way to transport soldiers across the battlefield. A single Black Hawk helicopter can house a crew of up to 11 infantry and crew members at 182 mph, faster than most other helicopters

Twin GE-700 engines power the Black Hawk to those speeds. It can support an external load of 8,000 lbs and internal load of 2,640 lbs, and gross weight of 20,250 lbs. It boasts a crew of two pilots, two crew chiefs, and is armed with two 7.62 mm machine guns.

3. Cheyenne Attack Helicopter AH-56

Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne
Editorial Team The Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne is the longest range helicopter with a flight range of 1225 miles.

Not all helicopters live to see a long service history. The Cheyenne AH-56 was developed in the mid-60s, but it only ever saw 10 prototype attack helicopters before the program was cancelled in 1972. Derailing the program? Crashes, costs, the Key West Agreement, and the Vietnam War winding down.

Its status as an aviation “What If?” lingers for helicopter enthusiasts, however, as the Cheyenne AH-56 was quite impressive for its day. At 54 ft long and with a cruising speed of 224 mph and a top speed of 244 mph, it was longer and faster than many helicopters of the era.

The Cheyenne AH-56 still served as an inspiration to future helicopters, especially as the A-10 Thunderbolt. The technologies that were developed for the Cheyenne AH-56 also saw later use in other capacities.

4. Kaman SH-2 Seasprite/H-2 Tomahawk

Kaman SH 2F Seasprite US Navy
Lewis Grant Kaman SH-2F Seasprite US Navy

The split name here derives from the fact that the Tomahawk was intended to be an Army version of the Seasprite, which was employed by the Navy in the early 60s. However, while at least 200 Seasprites were produced, the Tomahawk, like the Cheyenne, only saw a few units made.

The original need for both the Seasprite and Tomahawk came from the desire for multi-role helicopters that could operate in all types of weather conditions. Its main use came not during the Vietnam War but the Gulf War and in naval standoffs with Iran.  

It housed a crew of three, measured 38 ft 4 in. x 13 ft 7 in., had a cruising speed of 149 mph and top speed of 164 mph, an operational range of 367 mi, and could be armed with AGM-65 Maverick and anti-ship missiles as well as 2xMK50 ASW torpedoes.

5. Bell H-13 Sioux

U.S. Army Bell H 13 Sioux
Steven Martin U.S. Army Bell H-13 Sioux

While not an attack helicopter per se, the Bell H-13 set the stage for later Bell models and several attack helicopters. Its most famous depiction by far being its repeated usage on M*A*S*H.

The H-13 was a three-seat helicopter featuring a soap bubble canopy, saddle fuel tanks, and other features designed to allow the helicopter to be swift, lightweight, and maneuverable, and could return fire with twin mounted machine guns.

It measured 31 ft 7 in. x 9 ft 8 in. and a gross weight of 2,952 lb, and could reach a top speed of 105 mph, with a typical cruising speed of 84 mph, a service range of 273 mi, and a service ceiling of 16,100 ft.

To achieve that speed, the H-13 used 1 × Lycoming TVO-435-A1A six-cylinder with a horizontally opposed piston. It is capable of 260 hp, with the main rotor diameter measuring 37 ft.

6. Bell UH-1 Iroquois

Chances are you know this as the “Huey.” It was originally designated as HU-1, hence the nickname. An icon of the Vietnam War, it saw extensive service combating the Easter Offensive in 1972. Seven thousand thirteen UH-1s were deployed in Vietnam, of which 3,305 were destroyed, with more than 2,800 fatalities.

The Huey has been produced for militaries all over the world, and has thus seen action ranging from the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina to Japan deploying Hueys to Pakistan for disaster relief and using two Hueys for coastal surveillance during the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Disaster.

Hueys had a weight capacity of 3,880 lbs, measured 57 ft 1 in. x 8 ft 7 in., could handle a gross weight of 9,040 lbs, enjoyed a cruising speed of 125 mph and maximum speed of 135 mph, had a range of 315 mi, and could be armed with 7.62 mm machine guns and 2.75 in. rocket pods.

7. Bell AH-1G Cobra

Before the Apache became one of the most widely-produced and used attack helicopters in history, the Bell AH-1G Cobra was the backbone of the US helicopter forces, was used in Vietnam and the Gulf War, and remains a classic example of the aircraft type today.

The Cobra started life as an attack helicopter variant of the famous Vietnam-era Huey. The Huey was a medium-sized troop-carrying helicopter that proved its worth countless time in the jungles of Vietnam. The Cobra used it’s rotors, tail, and engine but made modifications on the airframe to reduce bulk and keep it maneuverable. 

The Cobra first flew in 1965 and went into service with the US Army in 1967. The AH-1G Cobra has been retired, but it was replaced by an upgraded twin-engine version, the AH-1W SuperCobra. The SuperCobra’s twin engines were made at the Marine Corps’ request, who wanted better over-water safety. 

Israel likewise maintained a fleet of Cobras, which saw use in some of its wars with Lebanon. In 2015, Israel leased retired Cobras to Jordan to help them keep Islamic State at bay.

All Cobras appear nearly identical. They feature a crew of two, seated in tandem. The aircraft have stub wings on the side of the fuselage for mounting weapon payloads or external fuel tanks.

Cobras have a crew of one pilot and one gunner, measured 53 ft x 10 ft 4in., can support 9,500 lbs, can achieve a maximum speed of 171 mph, have an operational range of 310 mi and can be armed with 2×7.62 mm multi-barrel Miniguns, 2×M129 40 mm grenade launchers, 2.75 in. rockets, or M18 7.62 mm Minigun pods.

8. Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

An updated version of Bell’s classic Cobra, this attack helicopter was developed toward the end of the Vietnam War. They saw use in the invasion of Grenada, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War, where dozens sustained damage, mainly from ground units. US SuperCobras were retired in 2020.

Some of the most extensive use of SuperCobras in combat, however, came during the aforementioned Iraq-Iran War. They were frequently used as anti-armor vehicles to great effect. In 2016, Kurdish PKK militants shot down a Turkish SuperCobra with a surface-to-air 9K38 Igla missile launcher.

SuperCobras feature a two-person crew, they measure 45 ft x 9 in. x 10 ft 9 in., have a max takeoff weight of 10,000 lbs, can achieve a maximum speed of 175 mph, and can be armed with, among other armaments, 20 mm M197 3-barreled Gatling cannons, 2.75 in. rockets, 5 in. Zuni rockets, and AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles.

9. Bell AH-1Z Viper 

The latest in Bell’s long line of attack helicopters, the Viper is designed to replace the SuperCobra. It was approved for full production and declared combat-ready by the US Marine Corp in 2010.

In 2015, the United States okayed the sale of Vipers to Pakistan. The Polish, Czech, Romanian, Moroccan, and Bahraini Armed Forces have all purchased or expressed interest in purchasing Vipers.

The venerable aircraft has received a new four-blade, composite-construction rotor system and an upgraded next-generation targeting system. The AH-1Z was introduced in 2010 and flies for the US Marine Corps. Of course, there are upgraded avionics and weapons systems as well. 

The Cobra benefitted from the USMC’s H-1 upgrade program. The AH-1Z and the UH-1Y share many common components, which reduce the Corps’ overall maintenance and parts costs. Over 84% of all the components of the two aircraft are identical. 

The Vipers feature two-person crews, they measure 58 ft 3 in. long, have a max takeoff weight of 18,500 lbs, a cruising speed of 180 mph, combat range of 125 mi, and can be armed with, among other armaments, a single 20 mm M197 three-barreled rotary cannon, 2.75 in. rockets, and AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.

Best Russian Attack Helicopters

The Russian armed forces currently operate Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopters. The Ka-52 Alligator is an advanced, two seat multirole combat helicopter that can be used for close air support, reconnaissance, anti-tank warfare, and air to air combat. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems and weapon systems including a 30 mm autocannon, AT-16 missiles, and Igla-V infrared guided missiles.

10. Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark

The Ka-50 was designed in the 1980s as a single-seat attack helicopter and scout. It has a unique dual rotor configuration that makes this striking craft particularly noteworthy. It was also the world’s first helicopter with an ejection seat. It went into service in 1995 for the Russian Air Force. 

The two-seat variant, the Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator,” is also known as the Hokum B (the Ka-50 is known as the “Hokum A”). While the airframe was designed in the mid-1990s, it didn’t become popular until 2010. 

In 2015, Egypt purchased 46 Ka-52 “Nile Crocodiles.” Kamov modified these export models to deal with the severe climate in Northern Africa, with new cooling systems and heavy-duty landing gear. 

There are many other variants of these powerful gunships too. There’s a folding-blade version for the Russian Navy and many special export versions. All of them share the same high-performance combat capabilities, excelling at air-to-air combat and defeating heavily-armored tanks.

The AH-64 Apache and Ka-52 Alligator are both highly capable attack helicopters. The Apache has a longer history in service with the US as well as more advanced weapon systems, so it is generally regarded as being superior to the Ka-52. However, due to its lighter weight and smaller size, the Ka-52 is far more agile than the bulky Apache and is capable of operating in a wider range of conditions. It also has an advanced targeting and navigation system that gives it an advantage over the Apache in terms of situational awareness. Ultimately, it comes down to user preference as both helicopters are highly capable weapons systems.

11. Mil Mi-24 Hind

The Russian-built Mil Mi-24 has been around for a while. It first flew in 1969, and the Russians began working on an attack helicopter concept after watching the American success with the Cobra in the Vietnam conflict.

The Hind is a large gunship that doubles as a troop carrier. It has room for eight passengers in its hold and numerous weapons on its outer wings. They are heavily armored and can resist half-inch rounds from all angles, including the rotor blades, which are made of titanium. 

The Mi-24 was initially conceived as an attack helicopter, but in practice, it is more similar to a UH-1 Huey gunship. It can carry troops and still pack a punch, but it’s unlike anything the Western Armies fly. The Mi-24 is worthy of the list, though, because its multi-role support options have made it popular worldwide. Mi-24 is used by the Russian Air Force and 58 other users around the globe. Over 2,600 airframes have been built.

12. Mil Mi-28 Havoc

First flown in 1988, the Mi-28 is the replacement for the venerable Mi-24. But unlike its predecessor, the Havoc is intended as an anti-armor attack helicopter. The lack of the bulky passenger area gives the Havoc greater speed and maneuverability, making it a deadlier attack helicopter.

Funding and design problems meant that the Mi-28 program had many stops and starts over the years. The Russian Ka-50 was a successful attack helicopter already in production, so the benefit of the Mi-28 was hard to justify. But after the Cold War ended, the idea of having an attack helicopter with more commonality to the Mi-24 Hind became appealing. 

The program began to take off in the 2000s. Several variants of the design were built, including those made specifically for export.

Best European Attack Helicopters

13. Airbus/Eurocopter Tiger (EU)

The Eurocopter Tiger went into service in 2003, before the chopper manufacturer merged with Airbus. The project had been in development for decades; its original mission was to be an anti-tank gunship to guard against a Soviet land invasion. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Germany and France continued with the project and made the Tiger a multi-mission capable helo. 

The Tiger was the first all-composite helicopter designed in Europe, and it’s exceptionally maneuverable and packed with advanced technologies. It’s stealth, has a glass cockpit, and can carry payloads of various weaponry. The primary operators include the German, French, Spanish, and Australian Army. If you think these two-crew member choppers have limited capabilities, read this harrowing account of the heroic actions of a Tiger crew who rescued three crewmembers from a downed Gazelle in Mali. 

14. Agusta/Westland A129 Mangusta (Italy)

First flown in 1983, the Mangusta is in many ways the precursor to the Eurocopter Tiger. The craft is still in service today with the Italian Army. Turkey has taken the design and modified it into the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK for their army.

The A129’s original mission was light observation and anti-tank. It was initially begun as a joint venture between Italy and West Germany. While that partnership eventually faded into history, Agusta successfully designed the craft to be a marketable competitor to the US-built Apache on the international market. The final designs of the A129 are true multi-mission capable choppers, depending on their armaments. They can be used for armed reconnaissance, ground attack, fire support, anti-armor, or anti-aircraft missions. 

Much of the airframe and components designed for the A129 come from the popular Agusta A109 civilian helicopter. Upgraded versions include the A129 International version, with upgraded LHTEC T800 turboshaft engines and a five-blade rotor system, A129 CBT upgraded version for the Italian Army, and the T129 for the Turkish Army. The successor for the A129, the AW249, is currently under development by Leonardo Company. 

Best Chinese Attack Helicopter

15. CAIC WZ-10 Fierce Thunderbolt

Changhe WZ 10
Peng Chen/CC BY-SA 2.0 Changhe WZ-10

When China needed an attack helicopter for the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force, they partnered with Russia’s premier helicopter designers at Kamov. The collaboration eventually fell apart over different design philosophies, and the Chinese took the project on their own. The final product was developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) and built in China. 

The WZ-10 first flew in 2003 and is in service now. It has a host of cutting edge technologies onboard, including an awe-inspiring electronics warfare package. Like many attack helicopters, the WZ-10’s primary mission is anti-tank warfare, but it is very capable in air-to-air combat as well. 

Also of note is the smaller and lighter Chinese Harbin Z-19. Known as the Black Whirlwind, this light attack helicopter is the WZ-10’s little brother. 

Naming Attack Helicopters

What’s in a name? A lot of that has to do with Vietnam, of course, where attack and medivac helicopters played a key role

A proud part of that history has been a tradition of attack helicopters using Native American names. This is due to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and General Hamilton Howze, who felt the speed and agility of these helicopters were a fitting tribute to the Sioux Indian tribes’ famously-swift warriors.

The first six helicopters on this list do that, and they account for some of the most recognizable aircraft names – “Apache,” “Comanche,” “Black Hawk” – in the US Armed Forces.

The other prominent naming theme on this list is the litany of Bell helicopters. The Texas company has been responsible for many of the most iconic models that would show up in films such as Forrest Gump, Apocalypse Now, and M*A*S*H.

Another quick M*A*S*H/Bell note – despite the 1970 film and classic 1970s series being set during the Korean War – a miniature Bell UH-1 Iroquois model can be seen despite the fact that model was built and used later in the Vietnam War.

FAQ about Attack Helicopters

No, attack helicopters are still highly relevant in modern warfare. They have proven to be incredibly effective tools for ground forces and their versatility makes them invaluable assets in both conventional and unconventional conflicts. As technology continues to improve, we can expect these choppers to become even more advanced, enabling them to carry out a wider range of missions with greater efficiency and precision.

Yes, attack helicopters are highly effective tools in modern warfare. These versatile aircraft can be used for a wide range of combat missions, from reconnaissance to ground attack. Their ability to fly at high speeds and hover above the battlefield gives them an advantage over other types of military aircraft, allowing them to quickly respond to threats on the ground. They have also proven to be extremely effective in anti-insurgency operations, providing support for ground forces and carrying out precision strikes on enemy targets.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is widely considered to be the most advanced attack helicopter currently in service. It was designed to provide ground forces with maximum firepower and survivability in the battlefield. It is equipped with an advanced fire-control system that can track and engage air targets as well as ground targets, making it a formidable addition to any military’s arsenal. The Black Hawk has impressive maneuverability capabilities and can be armed with air-to-air missiles, rockets, bombs, and machine guns.

While both the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the Apache are formidable attack helicopters, the Apache is considered to be more advanced than the Viper. The Apache is designed for long-range attack operations and has superior stealth capabilities. It also has more powerful engines that give it greater speed, maneuverability, and range than the Viper. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced avionics and sensors as well as a 30mm autocannon, Hellfire missiles, and laser-guided rockets. In comparison, the Viper does not have the same level of avionics and sensor capabilities, nor does it possess the same range or firepower as the Apache. While both helicopters are capable of providing excellent fire support to ground forces, the Apache is better suited for missions requiring long-range engagements and stealth capabilities.

The AH-64 Apache is widely regarded as the most capable and feared military helicopter. It is an attack helicopter developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security for the United States Army and has been in service since 1986.

The most advanced attack helicopter in the world is the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark. This single seat combat helicopter was designed to be highly maneuverable and is equipped with a 30mm autocannon, antitank missiles, and air to air missile systems. It also features an advanced avionics suite and weapon control system that allows it to operate autonomously and carry out a wide range of missions. The Black Shark is currently in service with Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.

The most powerful attack helicopter in the world is the Mi-28 Havoc. This Russian designed aircraft packs an impressive punch with its 2 x 30mm cannons, anti-armor missiles, air to air missiles and rockets. It also has advanced avionics systems and a specialized targeting system that allows it to operate in all weather conditions and carry out missions with precision. The Mi-28 is currently in service with Russia, Egypt, Venezuela and Iraq.

The Sikorsky MH-60M Black Hawk has the longest range of any attack helicopter in the world. This US designed chopper can reach a maximum range of 1,700 kilometers, making it ideal for long-range reconnaissance and attack missions. It is equipped with a range of weapons including Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets and GAU-19/A machine guns, allowing it to engage enemy forces at close quarters or from afar. The MH-60M Black Hawk is in service with the US military as well as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The Eurocopter Tiger is arguably the most advanced attack helicopter currently in production. This multi-role combat chopper features a wide range of sensors and weapons, including a 30mm autocannon, anti-tank missiles, air to air missiles and unguided rockets. It has also been equipped with advanced avionics systems, allowing it to operate autonomously and carry out a wide range of missions. The Tiger is currently in service with France, Germany, Spain and Australia.

The speed of an attack helicopter depends on its design. Generally speaking, most modern choppers are capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, although some models are faster. The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator can reach maximum speeds of 310 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest attack helicopter in the world. This Russian designed chopper is equipped with a range of weapons, including 2 x 30mm cannons and anti-tank missiles. It also has advanced avionics systems and an onboard computer that allow it to carry out missions with precision and accuracy.

The best attack helicopter in GTA 5 is the Buzzard Attack Chopper. This chopper is armed with a range of powerful weapons, including rocket launchers and machine guns. It has highly maneuverable flight capabilities and can be used for both offensive and defensive missions against enemy targets. The chopper also features an array of advanced avionics systems which allow it to detect and track targets from long distances, allowing for increased accuracy when engaging in combat. The Buzzard Attack Chopper is the perfect tool for taking out large groups of enemies or delivering precision strikes on high-value targets.

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