Helicopters of Russia and the World. Combat and civilian helicopters. Russian new generation helicopters: a review of promising developments The best combat helicopters

Since July 1961, more than 17 thousand Mi-8 helicopters and its modifications have been produced. Due to its reliability, the machine is a welcome guest in more than 50 countries of the world, because it is able to cope with tasks in almost any conditions - from Africa to the Far North. The popularity of the Mi-8 is really justified: unpretentious, simple, versatile the helicopter is able to cope with the full range of tasks. Your place in top-10 the best helicopters peace Mi-8 deserved another personal unbeaten record - climbing to a height of 8100 meters in 13 minutes.

MI-26 - the largest

Created in 1977, the helicopter received the unkind nickname "Cow", although an "ant" would be more suitable for it, because with its take-off weight of 49,650 kg it is designed to be able to carry loads greater than their own weight. According to calculations, the helicopter was supposed to carry up to 80 fully equipped paratroopers. But the brave Soviet leadership did not give a damn about the calculations and loaded up to 150 people into the car. And the most paradoxical: "Cow" took off with such a full "belly". It was this record-breaking car in 1999 that was entrusted with transporting a 25-ton block of ice with a 23,000 year old mammoth from Siberia. During the liquidation of the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, these giants, overloaded with additional lead protection, on elongated external hangers (so as not to raise radiation dust) were engaged in installation work of unimaginable complexity in the fourth block. At the end of the operation, the helicopter pilots, with tears in their eyes, escorted all their “combat friends” to a burial place in the Exclusion Zone.

LOCKHEED AN-56 CHEYENNE - the fastest

Released in 1967 in the USA, this helicopter developed speed up to 393 km/h and was created to provide fire cover for the powerful fellow Chinook helicopter. Formally, the Cheyenne is not even a helicopter, since it has a push propeller in stock. And the super speed (according to some sources, more than 400 km / h) was due to the use of small wings, which allowed the rotorcraft not to lean forward and avoid excessive drag. It is a pity that the fate of this record holder of the top 10 helicopters in the world was short-lived: the incident with a detached blade that pierced the lantern and killed the pilot forced the military to withdraw the high-speed helicopter from the series. The hingeless propeller design was to blame for everything, but the warriors did not have time for debriefing - realities were running out of time.

BELL UH-1 - the most legendary

"Iroquois" - the iconic symbol of the Vietnam War UH-1, nicknamed "Huey", became a favorite not only of the US military, but of all movie lovers, because without this proud profile with a figure of a soldier, carelessly dangling his legs overboard, not a single decent Hollywood picture about the war can do. tenacious beautiful the helicopter was so successful that its series includes more than 16 thousand cars. Veterans fondly remember how the Huey became their home, a flying "warehouse" with provisions and a long-awaited transport for the evacuation of the wounded. During the hostilities, 3,000 vehicles did not return to the base, but this helicopter was still recognized as successful, because the "hard worker" made so many sorties behind enemy lines that one loss accounted for 18 thousand sorties! And this despite the fact that the Huey was not even protected by armor.

KA-50 - the most maneuverable

"Black Shark" - the Soviet "Chamberlain's answer" to the latest developments of the American aviation industry, this 1982 helicopter did not have time to become legendary (now it has been replaced by an updated modification of the Ka-52), but managed to light up in the record holders. The coaxial propeller scheme allows the Black Shark to perform aerobatics, including "Dead Loop" and unique "Funnel": while maintaining aiming at the target, at 180 km / h the helicopter moves around it in side slip with a constant negative pitch angle up to 35 degrees, dodging enemy air defenses.

MI-24 - the most versatile

This Rostov comrade, nicknamed "Crocodile", armed to the teeth, became a real nightmare for the opponents of the Soviets in the East: the Mujahideen fled in horror from the sound of "Shaitan-Arba". "Flying BMP" could land troops and independently provide him with fire cover. From a technical point of view, the Mi-24 is a hybrid of a helicopter and an airplane, because it has wings that provide it with at least a quarter of the lift. Armored Cold War Predator fought on three continents.

RAH-66 "COMANCHE" - the most secretive

In 1996, the Boeing / Sikorsky concern released this stealth into the sky. Flat outer surfaces of the fuselage, made using stealth technology, are partially made made of composite materials with special radio-absorbing coatings. All weapons of this reconnaissance and attack helicopter are also hidden inside. It’s worth looking at this miracle of technology at least once and ... forgetting it, because the military of the 21st century decided that drones would be better able to handle most of the Comanche’s functions, and after admiring as many as two prototypes of the car, they closed the project.

AN-54 "Apache" - the most sensational

The 1975 American Apache is the main attack helicopter of the US Army. This "important bird" began its triumphal procession with resonant operation "Desert Storm", and then continued it during the war in Iraq in the 2000s. The key to the success of the AN-64 is its camouflage capabilities (including sound), extreme accuracy (a modern radar of 120 selected targets identifies the 16 most dangerous and delivers an aimed strike) and the ability to conduct night combat due to excellent night vision equipment.

CH-47 CHINOOK - the most spectacular

In 1961 American Boeing released into the sky from industrial rails this "flying wagon", as the CH-47 was nicknamed for the eyes. Huge 18-meter counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor. The ferry range of the helicopter is such that it is quite capable of overcomingAtlantic Oceanfrom Brazil to Liberia. The heavyweight can carry a 105mm field gun, allowing the US Army to be more mobile in mountainous terrain and sudden weather changes. The Chinook's transport record is 147 people. The "Vagon" itself tried to stay away from the battle, because the clumsy helicopter needed fire cover. However, he coped with his transport mission with a bang: during the Vietnam War, the Chinooks evacuated equipment worth $ 3 billion.

Boeing A160 "HUMMINGBIRD" - the most "smart"

Modern drone The year 2002 made it possible, finally, to remove the weakest link from flights - the pilot. From now on, helicopters can fly faster, farther, climb higher (this "bird" flies 9000 meters). The Hummingbird controls independently, in accordance with the combat missions on the route. True, this helicopter is still only a prototype, but, according to experts, it is the future. Therefore, the Hummingbird gets its rightful place in the top 10 helicopters in the world.

Rotary-wing machines have gained wide distribution at the present time. Combat helicopters, which first took part in military operations during the Korean War, significantly influenced the tactics of warfare. Thus, all the armies of developed countries began to use helicopters. This universal equipment is also capable of transporting cargo for various purposes, taking part in search and rescue, reconnaissance operations, and providing fire support to infantry.

The best helicopter in our understanding is a perfect aircraft capable of successfully fulfilling the tasks assigned to it in various conditions to the limit of its capabilities. In the ranking of the best helicopters in the world, there are only variants of military aviation that have passed a rigorous test in hot spots.

We offer you to get acquainted with the ten best helicopters

10th place - Mi-26

• Soviet heavy transport helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1977.
• 310 units produced.
• Carrying capacity - 80 paratroopers or 20 tons of cargo.

This helicopter is the largest in the world. Achieving unique capabilities required the use of original technical solutions. The car was equipped with an eight-bladed main rotor, a multi-threaded power transmission, and three video cameras to monitor the load placed on an external sling. The helicopter was used during the liquidation of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It was used to install a shelter, specially reinforced with a thick layer of lead radio protection. After the operation, all Mi-26s were buried in the Chernobyl 30-kilometer zone.

9th place - Westland Lynx

• English multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1971.
• Released 400 units.
• It is capable of carrying 10 paratroopers and hanging weapons in the form of 4 anti-ship missiles (sea version) or 70-mm Hydra rockets, 20-mm cannons and up to 8 anti-tank missiles (land version).

The appearance of the Lynx resembles a representative of civil aviation, but despite this, it is one of the most common deck-based helicopters. Westland Lynx operated in the Falklands War and very successfully. The Lynxes were also used in the war zone on the Balkan Peninsula, to blockade the coast of Yugoslavia and in 1991 in Iraq, where they sunk a landing ship, 4 border boats, a T-43 minesweeper and a missile boat.
But not only combat merits make the car unique, Westland Lynx in 1986 set a speed record for all mass-produced helicopters, accelerating to 400 km / h.

8th place - Boeing CH-47 Chinook

• Military transport heavy helicopter of the longitudinal scheme.
• First taken to the sky in 1961.
• 1179 units produced.
• Carrying capacity - 12 tons or up to 55 people.

An important property of the army of any country is its mobility. If you look at the transportation of military personnel, then helicopters play a significant role in this process. Especially in such a movement there was a need during the Vietnam War - the mountainous terrain and large temperature drops prevented the transfer of soldiers in a different way. The Chinook helicopter came to the rescue of the soldiers, which was created according to the original longitudinal scheme using two rotors. During rescue operations in Vietnam, a record was set - 147 refugees were taken on board a helicopter. This device received the slang nickname "flying car". He was not thrown onto the battlefield, the specialization of the CH-47 was to transport cargo from ships to land bases. An interesting fact is that during the Vietnam War, Chinkoks evacuated damaged equipment for a total of $ 3 billion.

Until now, the helicopter remains in service with many countries and is actively operated.

7th place - Bell AH-1 Cobra

• Attack helicopter.
• First taken to the sky in 1965.
• 1116 copies were issued.
• It is equipped with the following weapons: a remote-controlled installation with 2 Minigun machine guns, 70-mm NURSs, air-to-air missiles, TOW anti-tank missiles.

Cobras are deservedly called tank hunters, which they have confirmed with successful missions to destroy enemy ground equipment in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots.

For the first time in the world, this device was originally designed as an attack helicopter. The side projections of the control cabin were protected by composite armor. The Cobra helicopter was equipped with a powerful sighting system that performed well in harsh weather conditions. The compact size of the helicopter contributes to its deployment on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

6th place - Mi-24

• Transport and military aircraft.
• First taken to the air in 1969.
• More than 2000 units released.
• It is equipped with built-in weapons in the form of a four-barreled machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber and suspended weapons: NURSs, free-fall bombs, suspended cannon containers, anti-missile system.
• The capacity of the troop compartment is up to 8 people.

The Americans, who managed to intercept the Mi-24, affirmatively insist that it is not a helicopter. Despite the visual similarity, if you look at the device from a technical point of view, it can be defined as a hybrid of a helicopter and an airplane. The arguments for this fact is that the Mi-24 is not able to hover in one place and take off without acceleration. Large pylons play the role of aircraft wings, creating additional takeoff power. American technicians conducted an experiment and found that up to 40% of the lifting force is created with the help of pylons placed to the sides. Also, the hybrid must be piloted according to the "aircraft" technique. During the decline in lift, it is necessary to lower the nose somewhat, as on an airplane.

In the creation of the Mi-24, the idea of ​​​​a “flying infantry fighting vehicle” was realized, so it has a powerful weapon system that is not typical for other standard helicopters. "Aircraft qualities" allowed the Mi-24 heavyweight to enter the line of the fastest military helicopters in the world (maximum speed - 320 km / h).

The helicopter participated in military conflicts in the Caucasus Mountains and the Pamirs, and became a symbol of the Afghan war.

5 -e place– Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

• Heavy transport helicopter.
• Issued 115 units.
• Carrying capacity - 13 tons in the cargo compartment, up to 14.5 tons on an external sling or up to 55 paratroopers.

This helicopter is a deep modernization of the famous CH-53 "Sea Stalyen", built to meet the needs of the US Navy. To the original design, the developers added a third engine and a seven-bladed rotor. The CH-53E helicopter was nicknamed the "hurricane maker".

Also, a dead loop was made on it. In addition to transport missions, the flying boat was used as a minesweeper (modification MH-53), operated during search and rescue operations (modification HH-53). The helicopter is equipped with an in-flight refueling system and can be in flight for a whole day. In addition to operations on the water, it was actively used in ground missions. CH-53 and CH-53E carried out fire support for foot troops in Afghanistan and Iran.

4th place - Bell UH-1

• Multi-purpose combat helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1956.
• Over 16,000 units produced.
• Able to place on board up to 14 paratroopers or 1.5 tons of cargo.

This rotorcraft has become a symbol of the Vietnam War. Based on the words of the veterans, it was the Bell UH-1 that became their home. He transported soldiers from one combat position to the second, supplied the military with provisions and food, provided fire support and took out the wounded. Although the combat losses of this helicopter are rather big (about 3000 units), the combat use can be called successful. During the 11 years of the war, according to statistics, 36 million sorties were made. Thus, the losses amounted to 1 helicopter per 18,000 sorties - an impressive result, especially considering that this device has no armor at all.
Before the release of the Cobras, it was he who was entrusted with the task of delivering strike operations. To do this, the car was equipped with a pair of machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber and 48 unguided rockets on the suspension.
Bell UH-1 joined the ranks of the armies of 70 countries of the world. He is often shown in various Hollywood action films.

3rd place - Mi-8

• Multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1961.
• Over 17,000 units produced.
• Carrying capacity: 24 people or 3 tons of cargo.
• In combat modifications, it was equipped with 2-3 machine guns and up to 1.5 tons of weapons on an external sling, which include free-fall bombs, 57 mm unguided rockets and an anti-tank complex.

Although the helicopter was created more than half a century ago, it is still in demand, gathering buyers from all regions of the world. In total, there are three dozen military and civilian modifications. It is operated as a reconnaissance helicopter, a minelayer, a tanker, an air command post and an ambulance helicopter. Civilian variants are registered with airlines, used in agricultural work and emergency response services.
The Mi-8 helicopter has a high degree of versatility and can withstand the conditions of both frosty Siberia and the sultry Sahara. It was used in all hot spots: Afghanistan, Chechnya, the Middle East. There is nothing to replace the legendary helicopter yet.

2nd - Boeing AH-64 Apache

• Attack helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1975.
• Issued 1174 units.
• The built-in armament is represented by a 30 mm automatic cannon. Suspended armament consists of 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 76 NURS or Stinger missile systems for air combat.

"Apache" served as a prototype for the creation of a number of modern attack helicopters. He successfully proved himself in the famous Operation Desert Storm, successfully fighting tanks. It is in service and actively operated by the Israeli Air Force.
Most likely, the Russian Mi-28N will have to replace the Apache in the Israeli army, which has the best performance characteristics and won the tender for delivery to Israel in 2011.
In 2002, a South Korean Boeing AH-64 Apache was shot down by a North Korean Mi-35. South Korea is suing the manufacturer in this regard for updating the entire fleet of these helicopters to the Longbow version.

1st place- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

• Multipurpose helicopter.
• First taken to the air in 1974.
• Issued 3000 units.
• Carrying capacity - 1.5 tons of cargo on board and up to 4 tons on an external sling. The landing variant can accommodate up to 14 soldiers.
• Armed with two machine guns and four weapon suspension points. The armament complex includes NURSs, containers with 30-mm cannons, and anti-tank Hellfires. Marine versions are equipped with AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles and 324-mm torpedoes.

"Black hawk" can be safely called a helicopter of the 21st century. It was intended to replace the Iroquois, while a marine version was being developed in parallel. The result is a unique helicopter that is suitable for any kind of troops and has the best performance in the world.
In addition to the land version of the UH-60, there are 2 anti-submarine modifications SH-60F and SH-60B (with a hydroacoustic station and a magnetometer), a modification of the HH-60, released for special combat rescue operations, many ambulance versions, jammers, etc. Sometimes it is ordered for the transfer of high-ranking officials and generals. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is actively exported to all regions of the world.

The Black Hawk is built from durable materials and equipped with the latest equipment, which makes it possible to store it outside the hangar for a long time.

Both well-known Western developments and rather unexpected Eastern and African combat helicopters were included in the list. There are also three Russian "iron birds" in the rating.

MIR 24 collected information about the main bladed "death machines", which to this day can be seen in reports from "hot spots" and at exhibitions of the best examples of military equipment.

10th place. Agusta A129 Mangusta

This Italian attack helicopter was the first fully developed and assembled in Western Europe. Its carrying capacity is 4.6 thousand kilograms, while it can reach speeds of up to 278 km / h. It is typically equipped with three 20mm Lockheed Martin cannons, as well as eight air-to-ground, air-to-air, and several dozen rockets. It is in service with the Italian and Turkish Air Forces.

9th place. Mi-24 "Crocodile"

8th place. CAIC WZ-10

Chinese helicopter developed on the basis of a Russian project. The crew in it is placed in tandem, which is not found in any other combat vehicle. Used primarily as an anti-tank helicopter. Due to the relatively small carrying capacity, it can accelerate to 300 km / h, while the body of the "iron bird" is made using stealth technology. Armed with a 23 mm cannon, as well as air-to-ground, air-to-air missiles and unguided projectiles. It is in service with the Chinese Air Force.

Photo: 3GO*CHN-405/mjordan_6

7th place. AH-2

Attack helicopter developed in South Africa. Designed to destroy enemy manpower and equipment. It develops a speed of up to 300 km / h, while there are no seats for passengers, only a pilot and an operator of weapons systems get on board. Equipped with a 20 mm cannon, guided and unguided rockets. It is in service with the South African Air Force.

Photo: Danie van der Merwe

6th place. HAL LCH

5th place. Eurocopter Tiger

It was developed by a Franco-German consortium on the basis of three principles: "It should not be visible to enemies", "If it was seen, it should not be hit", "If it was hit, it must remain in the air." The combat vehicle is equipped with modern systems for reducing visibility, detecting and countering air defense and "survivability". The latter provides for massive armor. Equipped with a 30mm cannon, versatile rockets and 12.7mm machine guns as secondary weapons. It is in service with the armies of Australia, Spain, Germany and France.

Photo: DVIDSHUB - Flickr: French, US forces continue working side by side

4th place. Bell AH-1Z "Viper"

The US-designed attack helicopter has state-of-the-art main and tail rotors and avionics. It also works flawlessly in bad weather conditions and at night. Mainly used by the US Navy. In sea battles, speed is important, so the Viper is one of the fastest combat vehicles, reaching speeds of up to 410 km / h. Armed with a 20 mm triple-barreled cannon, a large number of air-to-ground missiles and other projectiles. It is also possible to install two additional guns.

Photo: Lance Cpl. Christopher O'Quin, USMC-U.S. marine corps photo

3rd place. Mi-28N Night Hunter

Another helicopter developed at the Mil plant. This is a maneuverable combat vehicle capable of performing many aerobatic maneuvers. Forward, it can fly at speeds up to 325 km/h, and its lateral speed is 100 km/h. The helicopter perfectly copes with tasks in any weather. Armed with a 30 mm cannon, several types of missiles, it can also carry small loads for setting minefields. It is in service with the Air Force of Algeria, Iraq and.

Photo: Yevgeny Volkov

2nd place. Ka-52 "Alligator"

"Alligator" - a heavily armed reconnaissance helicopter of a new generation. It develops a good speed of 330 km / h, but this combat vehicle does not need to fly fast. It has a target detection range of up to 300 km, and can also hit armored vehicles at a distance of 100 km. One of the most modern Russian aircraft is equipped with a 30 mm cannon and several diverse missiles. It is interesting that both the commander of the crew and the operator of weapons systems can control the helicopter.

Helicopters appeared over battlefields relatively soon after the end of World War II. The first mass use of rotorcraft took place during the Korean conflict, and the Americans became the pioneers in this. Initially, helicopters performed the function of scouts, fire spotters, and evacuated the wounded (due to the use of helicopters for evacuation, the survival rate of wounded soldiers in the US Army increased several times). At the dawn of their military career, helicopters did not perform strike functions.

The new type of aircraft had many opponents: there was a low speed of helicopters, their insufficient protection even from small arms. But the experience of using shock variants of these machines eventually dispelled all fears, and helicopters firmly took their place on the battlefield.

After some time, the world entered the era of the final collapse of the colonial system, and armed conflicts broke out in different parts of the world, which were characterized by active guerrilla actions. It turned out that helicopters, unlike combat aircraft, are great for fighting partisans.

The turning point in the history of combat helicopters was October 1973, when, during the Arab-Israeli conflict, 18 Israeli Cobra helicopters destroyed 90 Egyptian tanks in one sortie. From that day on, one of the main tasks of combat helicopters was the fight against armored vehicles.

The Soviet Union did not immediately see the potential of helicopters, but then quickly began to catch up. In 1971, the first prototype of the Mi-24 Soviet attack helicopter appeared. This legendary machine is still in service with Russia and many other countries. During its long service, the "crocodile" managed to take part in dozens of conflicts, passed the ordeals of the Afghan war and underwent numerous improvements. If the American helicopter Bell UH "Huey" is a symbol of the Vietnam War, then the Mi-24 "crocodile" is a symbol of the war in Afghanistan.

The Mi-24 was conceived as a flying infantry fighting vehicle: in addition to powerful weapons and armor protection, it had an airborne compartment in which it could deliver infantry to the battlefield and then support it with fire. But in reality, it turned out that landing with the Mi-24 was carried out extremely rarely, and as a rule, the helicopter was used as a strike vehicle. So the attempt to create a multi-purpose helicopter was not entirely successful, and in the mid-70s of the last century in the USSR they decided to create a new generation combat helicopter. To develop a promising shock machine, a competition was announced between the Mil Design Bureau and Kamov. As a result of this competition, the best combat helicopters in Russia today were born: the Mi-28 "Night Hunter" and the Ka-50 "Black Shark" (and the Ka-52 "Alligator").

Mi-28 "Night hunter"

Technical characteristics of the helicopter Ka-50 "Black Shark"

One of the main reasons for the cessation of production of the Ka-50 was just the "single seat" of this helicopter. Piloting a helicopter at low altitudes is very difficult, and it is even more difficult to fire at the enemy. A coaxial helicopter is quite difficult to fly and requires serious skill from the pilot. Therefore, the Ka-52 "Alligator" came to replace the Ka-50 "Black Shark".

Ka-52 is a two-seat modification of the Ka-50. The helicopter differs from its predecessor in a modified nose and a set of new electronic equipment. The Ka-52 was originally conceived as a command vehicle, coordinating the actions of a group of Ka-50 helicopters.

The multifunctional navigation system "Argument-2000" is installed on the Ka-52, which makes the helicopter all-weather and capable of flying at any time of the day. It consists of a GOES-451 search and sighting system and a survey and flight system.
The armament is similar to that of the Ka-50.

Another interesting machine, which is already supplied in various configurations to the Armed Forces and civilian customers, is the Ansat helicopter, designed and manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. The Ansat is built according to the classic single-rotor scheme and has two gas turbine engines. It can lift up to 1300 kilograms of cargo or 9 passengers.

Ansat made its first flight in 1999. The machine is universal: it can carry cargo, passengers, be used as a medical and search and rescue helicopter. Kazan designers have created a modification "" - a training helicopter for training cadets of military schools.

Swift Mi

Information appeared in the press about the development of a new high-speed helicopter at the Mil Design Bureau. In 2019, the project of the new machine should be completed. In 2014-2015, it was planned to allocate 4 billion rubles from the state budget for this project.

Initially, the Kamov Design Bureau also participated in this program, but the Mil Design Bureau project was recognized as more successful. The new helicopter should have a flight range of up to 1.5 thousand kilometers and a speed of up to 450 km/h. The helicopter is created for the needs of civil aviation.

It can be added that other countries are also engaged in the creation of a high-speed helicopter. In particular, Sikorsky Aircraft is currently developing a similar machine.

The old horse does not spoil the furrow

To date, a large number of old, time-tested Mi-24s remain in Russia. Back in 1999, a program for the modernization of these helicopters was developed. The updated vehicle was designated Mi-35. It is produced for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense and exported abroad.

The new helicopter has a new thermal imaging system and night vision devices. In addition, the Mi-35 is equipped with a satellite navigation system that allows you to accurately determine the coordinates of the machine.

By the beginning of 2014, 24 Mi-35s had been manufactured for the Russian Ministry of Defense, and almost 50 more units were planned to be transferred to the Russian military by 2019.

Mi-171A2 and Mi-38

Another interesting machine, which is at the state testing stage, is the Mi-171A2 helicopter. This is nothing more than a deep modernization of the famous Mi-8. In fact, this machine is a continuation of the glorious traditions of the Mi-8/17 helicopters, made at the modern technological level, using the most modern technologies and materials. The new helicopter will be equipped with a modern control system, a power plant, and the interior will be redesigned. The helicopter was certified in 2014, and its mass production began in 2016.

Another Mi-8/17 replica is the Mi-38 utility helicopter. Many modifications have been made to this car. Modern avionics, full glass cockpit, extensive use of composite materials. The rotors of the helicopter are made entirely of composite materials and do not require replacement during the entire service life of the machine.

Several modifications of the Mi-38 have been created, capable of performing various functions: carrying passengers and cargo, performing search and rescue operations. In 2014, test flights were carried out, and at the beginning of 2015, the certification of the Mi-38 took place.

Video about the latest Russian helicopters

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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 machines. Details in our review.

invisible dragon

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

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

The French company "Eurocopter" developed the main rotor, and the Italian "Agusta" - the transmission. The embargo was circumvented, because according to the documents, the nodes were created for a civilian helicopter. And when the first photos of the Chinese helicopter appeared, it became obvious that the designers of the Celestial Empire invented the Apache, whose faceted fuselage 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, air navigation and combat conditions are displayed on multifunctional displays. It also has a helmet-mounted sighting and information system. The nose of the Z-10 has an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder and a camera for night flights.

The main armament of Changhe are 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. All in all, 30-year-old American technology, powered by low-power engines, may impress neighbors (who don't even have one), but can't really stand up to the best machines in its class.

African crocodile

The South African Super Hind, manufactured by ATE, is one of the many upgrades of the Soviet Mi-24, delivered hundreds to developing countries. The history of the Hindu 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, new electronic equipment has been installed. The centering of the machine has shifted back, in connection with which maneuverability has improved - especially when flying at ultra-low altitudes with obstacle avoidance.

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

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

Decent car, and for the African continent just first-class. But, despite all its merits, the Mi-24 (Crocodile in air force slang) is the car of yesterday. Especially if not Russian guys fly on 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 of Soviet troops from Germany. The likelihood that the "Russians will come" dropped sharply and Germany immediately halved the plan for the purchase of Tigers. Then France switched financial flows from the eurocopter to its own, named Jaffe (Kochet). Nevertheless, in 1994 the design of the machine was finally approved and it went into production.

The fuselage and wing of the "Tiger" is made of carbon fiber, fiberglass and Kevlar fairings. Much attention is paid to survivability - the helicopter can withstand hits from 23-mm shells from the Shilka ZSU without any problems. The transmission gearbox is capable of running for 30 minutes without lubrication, and the extra strength makes it insensitive to 12.7mm bullets. The non-retractable tricycle landing gear is capable of withstanding hard landings at vertical speeds of up to 6 meters per second.

The cabin is double, tandem: the pilot sits in front, behind him is the operator. Their seats are shock-absorbing and armored. The Tiger proved to be the first serial helicopter to feature liquid crystal displays that allow readouts in any light. The combined threat alert system is sensitive to both radar radiation and laser beams. The crew rely on helmet-mounted sights to control weapons.

As for the weapons themselves, each country participating in the project has its own. Common only 30 mm automatic cannon. On four suspension points 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, blocks with 22 unguided rockets, heavy machine guns and additional fuel tanks can be suspended.

Despite the high technology and the general production culture, the fate of the Eurocopter cannot be called enviable. The German Ministry of Defense declared the Tiger unusable due to numerous defects and shortcomings. 22 vehicles armed with the AGM-114 Hellfire were acquired by Australia for subsequent modernization and adaptation. Interest in buying helicopters was shown by India and Saudi Arabia, but the deals did not take place.

Apache chief

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, the new machine was supposed to fight tanks in the face of active opposition to air defense and electronic warfare at any time of the day and in any weather, have good maneuverability, high survivability and autonomy. All helicopter and a number of US aircraft firms participated in the development of the attack helicopter, it took 12 years to fine-tune it, and the Apache was adopted in 1984.

The leading edges of the main rotor blades are made of titanium - it withstands light touches of trees and other obstacles, which is necessary for low-level flight around obstacles. Two turboshaft engines with a capacity of 1625 horsepower are separated and interchangeable. To reduce noise, the tail rotor is made X-shaped, and its blades are set at different angles: each of them suppresses part of the noise produced by the previous one. The main legs of the non-retractable landing gear are equipped with powerful shock absorbers capable of absorbing the 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 the principle of "let it go and forget it." The sighting and navigation system automatically captures targets and fires at them. The module on the nose of the helicopter, which rotates in two planes, has infrared and television cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. 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.

Apaches received their baptism of fire in Iraq. It was these helicopters that fired the first Desert Storm shots, firing Hellfires on the night of January 17, 1991 at two Iraqi air defense radars in the suburbs of Baghdad. Both radars were destroyed. Further, the AN-64 carried out support for the ground operation, shooting 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 weaknesses of the helicopter began to come to light. The AN-64 is protected from machine gun fire and small-caliber anti-aircraft guns, but is defenseless against MANPADS - especially when flying at low altitude over city blocks, where the helicopter does not have time to perform an anti-aircraft maneuver. In total, about fifty Apaches were lost in Iraq - some of them were burned by partisans, firing mortars at the locations of the US Air Force.

Now the Longbow modification is in service. It is distinguished from the former 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 them to ATGMs fired by other vehicles from cover.

Symmetric response

No matter how good the Apache is - and it is really good and will remain the main NATO attack helicopter for the coming decades - it is far from 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 scheme with two rotors, the Ka-52 has fantastic maneuverability - it can fly backwards at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, sideways - 100 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed of the "Alligator" is also the best in the class - 370 km/h. The machine is capable of performing aerobatics, inaccessible to conventional helicopters. What is one "Funnel" figure worth when the Ka-52 circles over the target, being constantly turned to it with its nose and pouring continuous fire. The helicopter is also capable of performing aerobatics: roll, oblique loop and other elements.

Coaxial propellers provided the Ka-52 with real all-weather ability - it can fly against a hurricane at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour, clearly maintaining a route and location using satellite navigation. The takeoff power of each of the two engines is 2500 horsepower, if one engine fails, the other gives out up to 2800. There is a surge exit mode and automatic start after the engine stops in the air.

Surveillance and flight and search and sighting 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 dense fog. On-board electronics has an open architecture, allowing, if necessary, to install new software without replacing the hardware.

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

For reprisals against lightly armored targets, radars and anti-aircraft installations, the Ka-52 has a 30-millimeter automatic cannon. It is located near the center of mass, which increases the accuracy of fire, speed and maneuverability of the vehicle. The shells penetrate 15 mm armor at a distance of 1500 meters at a meeting angle of 60 degrees - an unattainable figure 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 the helicopter can continue flying even with the complete destruction of the tail, while the Apache, if the tail rotor is damaged, goes out of control. If both engines fail, the Ka-52 plans to autorotate. A hard landing is compensated by shock absorbers and landing gear, an armored nose and crushable blocks under the seats. Ejection seats are designed with helicopter specifics in mind. In an emergency, strips of explosives break the cockpit windows, and the propeller blades are fired.

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