Which helicopter is better? The best attack helicopters in the world Helicopters top 10

25.10.2019

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

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

Speed is important technical specification helicopter. To improve the speed characteristics, developers use various carrier systems with a different number of propellers and blades, and some models are equipped with special push propellers. Behind centennial history helicopters, aircraft designers managed to "disperse" them to almost 500 km / h. This week, the editors of the Swedish Internet portal expressen.se ranked 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 main attack helicopter of the US Army. First saw combat during the American invasion of Panama in 1989.
airplane-pictures.net

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

The multipurpose attack helicopter is an upgraded version of the Ka-50 Black Shark. It made its first flight in 1997 and has been mass-produced since 2008. The only combat helicopter in the world in which the pilots sit side by side, and not one behind the other
airwar.ru

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

NH90 is a multipurpose helicopter developed by Eurocopter. Made first flight in 1995
defenseindustrydaily.com

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

American heavy military transport helicopter longitudinal diagram. Operated 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 (before 2007 it was called EH101). Maximum speed - 309 km / h
aircraftcompare.com

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

8th place
Agusta Westland AW139. Maximum speed - 306 km / h
avia.pro

Anglo-Italian twin-engine multipurpose helicopter. Army modification can accommodate up to 10 soldiers 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

Rotorcraft found in present time wide use. 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 versatile technique is also capable of transporting cargo for various purposes, taking part in search and rescue, reconnaissance operations, fire support infantry.

The best helicopter in our understanding is a perfect aircraft able to successfully complete the tasks assigned to him in various conditions at the limit of their abilities. In the ranking of the best helicopters in the world there are only options military aviation, which have been rigorously tested 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 "Lynx" resembles a representative 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. Also, "Lynxes" were used in the combat zone on the Balkan Peninsula, to blockade the coast of Yugoslavia and in 1991 in Iraq, where a landing ship was sunk with their help, 4 border boats, minesweeper T-43 and missile boat.
But not only military merits make the car unique, Westland Lynx in 1986 set a speed record for all helicopters serial production, 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. Looking at transportation personnel military, helicopters play a significant role in this process. Especially in such a movement there was a need during Vietnam War – mountainous relief and large temperature differences prevented the transfer of soldiers in another 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. Interesting fact that during the Vietnam War, the 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.
Issued 1116 copies.
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. Compact dimensions helicopters contribute 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 \u200b\u200ba "flying infantry fighting vehicle" was realized, so it contains powerful complex armament, not typical of 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 Caucasus mountains and in the Pamirs, 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), 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, unguided rockets of 57 mm caliber 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 missile complexes Stinger 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 options are completed anti-ship missiles AGM-119 Penguin and 324mm 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.
Except land version 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 made from durable materials and is equipped with the latest equipment, which makes it possible to store it outside the hangar for a long time.

In this article, we will discuss the best combat helicopters of the world, we will make the TOP-10 of the most combat-ready, maneuverable and high-speed vehicles that have repeatedly proven their superiority on the battlefield.

A combat helicopter is an air combat unit with high firepower, the main tasks of which are the destruction of ground targets, providing cover ground forces and disabling enemy armored vehicles.

Let's go back to our list.

Tenth place

Opening our "Best Helicopters in the World" list is China's first attack helicopter, the Z-10, which was adopted by the Chinese military in 2009.

The armament of this helicopter is a 30-mm machine gun mount, guided anti-tank missiles of the HJ-9 brand or the recently upgraded HJ-10. In addition to this, the helicopter is equipped with a block of aviation unguided missiles and a TU-90 rocket launcher, which is designed to destroy air targets.

The cabin of the machine is represented by two steps, in the first there is a shooter, in the second - a pilot.

ninth place

Continues our TOP-10 of the best helicopters in the world Mi-24, which is equipped with a cargo compartment, where eight Air Force fighters can easily fit.

The machine has high mobility, the flight is 335 km / h, which is achieved due to the unusual design of the wings.

The machine itself is universal, various military weapons can be installed on a helicopter, it all depends on the task.

The standard set of weapons is a machine-gun mobile installation of the GUV-1 brand with an A-12.7 machine gun (number of rounds - 900 pieces), a NURS S-5 unit with a set of NAR UB-32A and 4 ATGM 9M17, borrowed from anti-tank installation"Phalanx-M".

Eighth place

AH-2 Rooivalk confidently takes eighth place in the list of "Best Helicopters in the World", translated from English name means "red kestrel".

The maximum speed of the car is 278 km/h.

Weapons mounted on a combat vehicle:

F-2 gun, 700 rounds of ammunition, caliber 20 x 139 mm.
Mokopa ZT-6 air-to-ground missiles (8-16 pieces).
Air-to-air missiles: Mistral (4 pieces).
Unguided missiles FAr.

Seventh place

The American AH-1W, the so-called "Super Cobra", continues our top list of the best helicopters in the world.

Unlike classmates, the car has two engines, the power of which is 1285 kW. each, maximum - 282 km / h.

The gun mounted on the vehicle does not stand out in any way, a 20 mm cannon with a capacity of 750 rounds, air-to-ground and air-to-air. In addition to this, a complex of unguided missiles has been installed.

Sixth place

The T129 / A129 helicopter, jointly created by Italy and Turkey, occupied the sixth place in the list of "The best military helicopters in the world". It was the first fighting machine, entirely created in Western Europe.

The maximum developed speed of the machine is 250 km / h, the installed Royal-Royce engine, the take-off power of which is 881 hp. with., developed by the Italian company "Agusta".

The machine guns that the helicopter is equipped with have a caliber of 2 x 7.62 or 12.7 mm.

Like all brothers, the machine is equipped with a complex of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

Fifth place

The next place is occupied by the American attack aircraft AH-1Z.

The machine has good controllability and occupies one of the first places in terms of accuracy of firing. The triple-barreled 20mm cannon is great for destroying ground targets.

Cannon containers have been added to the combat arsenal in addition to conventional guided and unguided rocket launchers. It is also possible to install 4 TOW ATGMs.

Number of engines - two, brand - AH-1S (-P) (Production). The power of one is 1285 kW.

The helicopter is in service with countries such as the United States, Iran, Thailand, Turkey, China.

Fourth place

Before the leaders of the list is an attack aircraft created by German-French engineers - Eurocopter Tiger.

It is in service with countries such as Germany, Spain, France and Australia.

In comparison with classmates, the car has better camouflage, and the noise emitted in motion is reduced to a minimum.

The engines installed on the attack aircraft have a power of 1303 liters. With. each, and the maximum flight speed is 278 km / h.

The gun is a cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, there are also 4 points for hanging rocket launchers various types. In addition, the helicopter can be equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns, each magazine holds 250 rounds.

Third place

Opening the list of leaders "The best helicopters in the world" is the Russian development of the Mi-28-N, which was nicknamed "the devastator".

This model is an in-depth revision of the Mi-28 helicopter. The maneuverability and complexity of the air figures performed in flight makes the attack aircraft difficult to reach. For example, the so-called or Immelmann coup can be performed at a speed of 100 km / h.

All the most necessary and vital components are duplicated and located in different parts of the helicopter, which helps to ensure maximum survivability of the vehicle during combat operations.

The engine of the machine VK2500 has a capacity of 2200 liters. with., maximum speed 300 km / h.

The gun that the helicopter is equipped with has a caliber of 30 mm, and the helicopter is also equipped with a complex of guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.

Second place

Before you get to know the best helicopter in the world, let's discuss the car that is in second place.

AH-64 Apache - an American attack helicopter, during the conduct proved itself only from the best side. Its combat power is one of the best among helicopters of all time, this model is universal in its class.

In combat conditions, being in various weather conditions, the machine performed the most difficult combat missions.

The helicopter is equipped with 16 rocket launchers of various calibers and purposes. The machine gun has a caliber of 70 mm, which makes it easy to hit many lightly armored targets.

Engines have a capacity of 1890 liters. With. each, engine brand - AH-64A+/D .

First place

Ka-50/52 is the best Russian-made helicopter in the world. Got a nickname Black Shark"due to its extraordinary speed of movement, menacing form, and the trump card of the machine is its firepower, which is incomparable with any similar indicator of other helicopters in the world.

This model is a single-seat attack attack helicopter, in the creation of which a lot of effort has been invested. The main task of the designers was to develop best speed and maneuverability, the size of the helicopter in its class is the smallest, due to which it has the highest level of camouflage and is able to quickly change its location.

The Ka-50/52 has a top speed of 310 km/h, which is an average of 20-30 km more than the rest of the machines on our list. Engine power is 2400 hp. s., its brand is TV3-117VMA.

The maximum mass of weapons that a helicopter can carry in one battle is two tons.

The gun is a cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, the pilot has the ability to quickly switch between high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing types of projectiles. You can also adjust the rate of fire from 350 to 550 rounds per minute. The helicopter is equipped with six pieces on each side.

Possible suspension missiles X-25 ("air-to-air") and R-73 ("air-to-air", homing).

To date, the Ka-50/52 remains the 100% leader among combat attack helicopters.

Conclusion

So the list of "The best helicopters in the world" has ended, but we can say with confidence that our rating includes the best helicopters that have been tested by time and have been used more than once in hostilities.

The military industry does not stand still, perhaps new, more modernized helicopters are in a hurry to replace the "veterans", but all the attack aircraft that were mentioned today have already left their mark on history.

Helicopter - today it is the most effective remedy used for material technical support, in military operations and rescue operations. From the first in World War II, the Vietnam War, to the present day, the best helicopters have helped change the course of events on the battlefield. Here are the ten best combat helicopters in the world. Each is characterized by features of electronic equipment, speed characteristics, firepower. Also of interest is the list of the fastest helicopters and progressive jet fighters. This is a rating of the best combat helicopters in the world.

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

The Mi-24 is a specialized combat rotorcraft with a cargo cabin that can accommodate eight troops. The Mi-24 became the first Russian helicopter introduced into the Russian Air Force as an assault transport. This is a close analogue of the American AH-64 Apache, but unlike this and other Western attack helicopters, it can carry up to 8 paratroopers.

8.AH-2 Rooivalk

Denel Rooivalk is a South African combat helicopter manufactured by Denel. Rooivalk means "red kestrel" in Afrikaans. In South African air force There are only 12 AH-2 Rooivalk helicopters in operation. Although the helicopter looks updated, the production uses the same engine and main rotor as the French Aerospatiale Puma helicopter.

7. AH-1W "Super Cobra"

The Bell AH-1 "Super Cobra" is a twin-engine top combat helicopter derived from the US Army's AH-1 "Cobra" helicopter. The Cobra family includes the AH-1J Sea Cobra, the AH-1T updated Sea Cobra and the AH-1W Super Cobra.

6. A-129/T-129 (Italy/Turkey)

Agusta A129 Mongoose is an Italian combat helicopter originally designed and manufactured by Agusta. He became the first attack helicopter designed and produced exclusively in Western Europe. The Agusta Westland T-129 ATAK is a modified version of the A129 manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with Agusta Westland.

5. AH-1Z "Viper"

Spacious. Universal. Multipurpose. The latest generation of percussion technology. The Bell AH-1Z "Viper" is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W "Super Cobra" developed for the US Naval Infantry. It features four-bladed propellers, composite rotor and rudder, modern engines and an improved aiming system. The AH-1Z is part of the H-1 modernization program. It is also called "Zulu Cobra" in another variation.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by the Eurocopter consortium. In Germany, France and Spain it is known as "Tiger". It is powered by two MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.

3. Mi-28H Havoc (Russia)

The Mi-28H (NATO version Havoc, translated as "devastator") is a Russian anti-tank attack helicopter that operates in all weather conditions, at any time of the day or night, two-seater. This specialized combat helicopter is better optimized and designed for combat purposes than the Mi-24. It carries one machine gun mount in the bow, as well as additional cargo carried on pylons under the wings.

2. Kamov KA-50/KA-52

The Ka-50 "Black Shark" is a single-seat Russian attack helicopter, with a distinctive coaxial rotor system, created by the Kamov Design Bureau. It was developed in the 80s. and adapted to the needs Russian army in 1995, the Ka-50 was designed to be compact and fast to minimize the risk of death. Due to its small weight and size (thanks to which high speed and maneuverability developed), it became the only helicopter controlled by only one pilot. The Russian Ka-50 can carry 24 missiles, 4 missile pods. The Hokum can also carry AA-11/R-73 Archer air-to-air missiles, making this helicopter a worthy opponent to other combat helicopters. It is also equipped with a 30mm 2A42 combat cannon. The maximum speed of the Ka-50 Hokum reaches 350 km per hour, and the combat radius is 250 km.

1. AH-64D Apache Longbow

The best combat helicopter in the world. The Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was known as a powerful anti-tank helicopter in the war in Persian Gulf. Designed to perform military missions day or night, in adverse weather conditions, the Apache was created to meet the stringent requirements of plans to create advanced attack helicopters for the US Army. The helicopter is equipped with the latest level of electronics and fire control system, has a unique firepower. Apache can be equipped with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, air missiles 76 70 mm, in combination with the automatic gun M 230.

First seen over the battlefield during the Korean War, helicopters revolutionized military tactics. Today, rotorcraft confidently occupy their niche in the arsenal of modern armies and civil services, performing the tasks of transporting people and cargo, fire support, take part in search and rescue operations and reconnaissance missions.
To earn the right to be called the best, cars must show everything they are capable of. In the most severe climatic conditions, loaded "to the eyeballs", under enemy fire and at the limit of their capabilities.

We bring to your attention the top ten helicopters in the world according to the Military Channel. As always, the selection criteria will be the technical excellence of designs, production volumes, the legendary and chief and impartial judge - experience in military conflicts.

All 10 helicopters presented in the review have their own remarkable features, they all went through the school of survival in hot spots and received funny slang names.

Like any Military Channel show, this rating is not without bias. Another controversial point - how can you compare transport and attack helicopters? According to the creators of the rating, there are few highly specialized designs, most helicopters are multi-purpose. For example, the transport Mi-8 can successfully support ground troops with fire, not to mention its assault modification Mi-8AMTSh Terminator.
All the necessary comments have been made, now I propose to get to know the technique better.

10th place - Cow

Mi-26 - heavy transport helicopter
First flight - 1977
310 built
Carrying capacity - 20 tons of cargo or 80 paratroopers

The rotary-wing heavyweight has become the largest helicopter in the world. Unique opportunities required special technical solutions. Eight-bladed main rotor, multi-threaded power transmission, three video cameras for monitoring the condition of the load on the external sling - these are just some of the features of this machine.
A serious test for the Mi-26 was the work to eliminate the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Overloaded with lead radiation shielding, Mi-26s were engaged in complex assembly operations on the territory of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In order not to raise clouds of radioactive dust, it was necessary to work with an elongated external suspension, which required remarkable courage and skill from the crews. All Mi-26s that took part in this operation were buried in the Exclusion Zone.

9th place - Links (Lynx)

Westland Lynx - British multi-purpose helicopter

First flight - 1971
400 built
Combat load - 750 kg, including 10 troops and outboard weapons: 4 anti-ship missiles in the marine version or 20 mm guns, 70 mm Hydra rockets and up to 8 TOW anti-tank missiles in the land version.

The appearance of the "Lynx" is not impressive: there is no aggressiveness of the American "Apache" or Mi-24 in it. But despite its typically civilian appearance, the combat "Lynx" is one of the most common ship-based helicopters in the world. "Lynx" took part in the Falklands War - a cycle naval battles, which became the largest maritime conflict since the Second World War. The combat debut was successful - the Lynxes of the Royal Navy sank an Argentinean ship with the help of Sea Scua anti-ship missiles patrol ship. Over its forty-year history, the Lynxes were noted in the combat zone in the Balkans, where they provided a blockade of the coast of Yugoslavia and in Iraq in the winter of 1991, destroying the T-43 minesweeper, 4 border boats, a landing ship and a missile boat.
But what makes the Westland Lynx truly unique? Incredibly, this unsightly machine holds the world speed record among serial helicopters - in 1986, the Lynx accelerated to 400 km / h.

8th place - Flying car

Boeing CH-47 "Chinook" - heavy military transport helicopter of the longitudinal scheme
First flight - 1961
1179 built
Carrying capacity: 12 tons of cargo or up to 55 people

An important feature of the modern army is its mobility. If on a global scale the transfer of troops provides transport aviation, then directly on the battlefield this is the task of helicopters.
This problem is especially acute for American army in Vietnam - mountainous terrain, sudden changes in weather, lack of maps and roads, an omnipresent and numerous enemy - all this required a special air means. This is where the Chinook heavy transport helicopter came in handy, built according to an unusual longitudinal scheme with two rotors. During his long service, many funny stories have accumulated. For example, one of the loading options sounded like this: you can stuff 33 Americans or ... 55 Vietnamese into a Chinook. Once, during the evacuation of Vietnamese refugees, a record was registered: 147 people were taken on board.

"Flying wagons" tried to stay away from the battlefield, specializing in the transfer of cargo from ships to supply bases. Although more exotic applications are known: as bombers, smoke curtains, tear gas sprayers, artillery "tractors". They looked especially impressive in raids on evacuation of damaged aircraft: in the first year of hostilities, the Chinooks evacuated 100 forced landing airplanes and helicopters. In total, during the Vietnam War, they evacuated a thousand devices with a total value of $ 3 billion!
The helicopter is still in service, taking part in operations around the world.

7th place - Cobra

Bell AH-1 “Cobra” – attack helicopter
First flight - 1965
1116 Cobras and 1271 Super Cobras built
Built-in weapons: a remote-controlled installation with two six-barreled Miniguns + 4 suspension points, on which containers with machine guns, air-to-air missiles, 70 mm NURSs, TOW anti-tank guided missiles can be placed.

Scary helicopter. As if Death itself descended from heaven in the guise of a narrow, sinister silhouette of the Cobra. The nose machine gun turret continued to fire even if the helicopter was flying in the other direction. Bloody Vietnam, the Middle East, where Cobras unexpectedly turned into tank hunters, a meat grinder in Waziristan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq - this is incomplete achievement list"Cobras"...

The AH-1 was the world's first purpose-built attack helicopter. The pilots' cockpits and side projections are protected by NORAC composite armor. "Cobra" received a powerful sighting system that allows you to work on targets in any weather conditions.
To date, the modernized "Cobra" are in service with the Corps Marine Corps USA. The light compact helicopter has excellent characteristics for being deployed on amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers.

6th place - Crocodile

Mi-24 - transport and combat helicopter
NATO code name - Hind ("Doe")
First flight - 1969
Over 2000 units built
Built-in armament: four-barreled machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber on a mobile mount; suspended weapons: free-fall bombs, NURSs with a caliber from 57 to 240 mm, the Falanga anti-tank missile system, suspended cannon containers, as well as up to 8 people in the troop compartment.

American experts issued a stunning verdict: the Mi-24 is not a helicopter! Like this. No more and no less.
The Mi-24 looks like a helicopter, it is used as a helicopter, but from a technical point of view, it is a hybrid of an airplane and a helicopter. Indeed, the Mi-24 cannot hover in one place or take off from a "patch" - it needs a runway (under normal load, the takeoff run is 100 ... 150 meters). What's the secret? Visually, the Mi-24 has disproportionately large pylons (in fact, these are decent-sized wings). US Air Force specialists, testing the Crocodile that fell into their hands, determined that at least a quarter of the lift it creates with the help of wings, moreover, on high speeds, the value can reach 40%.
The Mi-24 piloting technique is also unusual - when the lift force decreases, the pilot lowers the nose slightly - the car accelerates and a lifting force. Like on a plane.

And you thought such wings for beauty?

What are the benefits of this outlandish hybrid? Firstly, the Mi-24 was created according to the concept of a "flying infantry fighting vehicle", which required non-standard technical solutions from the designers - heavy armor, troop compartment and a powerful weapon system did not fit in a standard helicopter design. Secondly, due to its "aircraft" qualities, the heavy "Crocodile" is one of the fastest combat helicopters in the world (maximum speed - 320 km / h).
"Crocodile" fought in the gorges of the Caucasus and the Pamir Mountains, in the sultry Asian deserts and tropical forests Equatorial Africa. But military glory came to him in Afghanistan. The unique rotary-wing attack aircraft became a symbol of that war.

According to the Iraqi government newspaper, the Baghdad Observer, in 1982 during Iran-Iraq war Mi-24 shot down an Iranian supersonic F-4 Phantom fighter. Unfortunately, the exact details of that battle remain unclear. But it is known for certain that Hussein's pilots on the Mi-24 shot down two dozen Iranian helicopters. On this occasion - black humor from the creators of the rating: "Never smile at the crocodile!" (Never mess with a crocodile).
But the best thing about the "Crocodile" was said by an Afghan Mujahideen in an interview with an American news channel: We are not afraid of the Russians, but we are afraid of their helicopters.

5th place - Stallion

Sikorsky CH-53E “Super Stallion” - heavy transport helicopter
First flight - 1974
Built - 115 units
Carrying capacity - 13 tons of payload in the cargo compartment or up to 14.5 tons on an external sling; or 55 paratroopers

The giant flying boat CH-53E is a deep modernization of the famous helicopter CH-53 "Sea Stalyen", created in 1964 specifically for the needs of the Navy, Marine Corps and US Coast Guard. Specialists of the Sikorsky company mounted a third engine and a seven-bladed main rotor on the original design, for which the sailors called the modernized helicopter "Hurricane Maker" (literally - "hurricane maker"), such a powerful whirlwind of water spray and elastic air jets is created by the power plant CH- 53E.

Night operation, Iraq

What else is famous for "Stallion" (namely, this is how Stallion is translated)? On this huge machine, the "dead loop" was demonstrated!
The maritime career of the CH-53 and CH-53E was not limited to standard transport missions. Rotary-wing flying boats were used as minesweepers (modification MH-53) and took part in search and rescue operations (modification HH-53). The in-flight refueling system installed on the helicopter allows you to stay in the air day and night.
"Stallion" took root on land - the military liked the powerful transport helicopter. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the CH-53 and CH-53E were used as Gunships, supporting ground forces with fire. In total, the CH-53 family includes 522 helicopters built.

4th place - Huey (Iroquois)

Bell UH-1 - multi-purpose military helicopter
First flight - 1956
Built - more than 16,000 units
Carrying capacity: 1.5 tons or 12-14 soldiers.

This private "air cavalry", along with napalm, became a symbol of the Vietnam War. Veterans remember that the Hueys became their home - helicopters delivered them to the position, brought them equipment, supplied them with provisions and ammunition, covered them from the air, and evacuated them from the battlefield in case of injury. Despite the huge losses (3000 vehicles did not return to base), the combat use of the Huey is recognized as successful. According to dry statistics, over the 11 years of the war, helicopters made 36 million sorties, i.e. one irretrievable loss accounted for 18,000 sorties - a completely unique result! And this despite the fact that the Huey did not have a reservation at all.

Before the advent of specialized Cobras, Hueys had to perform strike operations - a pair of 12.7 mm machine guns and 48 unguided rockets on a suspension turned the UH-1 into an infernal machine. The fire of the tactical combat group "Eagle Flight" (Flight of Eagles - American tactics of using helicopters) from 10 ... 12 vehicles was equal to the fire of two infantry battalions.

The Huey is Hollywood's favorite helicopter. No action movie is complete without a UH-1 flight scene. As expected, the heroes are sitting in a cockpit open on both sides, carelessly dangling their legs overboard.
Huey holds another record - so many of them were produced that by the end of the 60s, the American troops in Indochina had more helicopters than all the other armies in the world combined. Military and civilian versions of the Huey were delivered to 70 countries around the world (almost like a Kalashnikov assault rifle).

3rd place - Mi-8

Multipurpose helicopter
First flight - 1961
Built - more than 17,000 units
Load capacity: 3 tons or 24 people
Combat load of shock modifications: 2-3 machine guns and up to 1.5 tons of weapons on 6 hardpoints, including 57 mm unguided rockets, free-fall bombs and the Falanga anti-tank complex.

Created 50 years ago, the helicopter turned out to be so successful that it still receives orders from all over the world. It has three dozen civil and military modifications. Used as a transport attack helicopter, used for reconnaissance, as command post, minelayer, tanker and ambulance helicopter. Civilian versions serve passenger airlines, are used in agriculture and in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters.

Military modification of the Mi-8TV ("heavy weapons")

The helicopter is simple, reliable, operated in any conditions - from the hot Sahara to Far North. Passed all military conflicts, including Afghanistan, Chechnya and the Middle East. And he won't be able to find a replacement anytime soon.

2nd place - Apache

Boeing AH-64 "Apache" - attack helicopter
First flight - 1975
Built - 1174 units
Built-in weapons - 30 mm automatic cannon. Suspended weapons - 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 76 NURS caliber 70 mm or missile systems"Stinger" for air combat.

"Apache" is a cult machine that has become the prototype of a whole class of modern combat helicopters. He gained fame during Desert Storm, where, according to NATO representatives, he successfully fought tanks. Regularly used by the Israel Defense Forces Air Force.
Only one helicopter - the Russian Mi-28N "Night Hunter" - was able to openly challenge Apache during the Indian tender for the supply of combat helicopters in the fall of 2011. But the old warrior turned out to be smarter and more agile than the young recruit - the electronics “finished” during numerous conflicts allowed the modern modification of the AH-64D “Apache Longbow” to operate more efficiently at night. However, Indian experts noted that the Apache design had exhausted its reserves for modernization, and its flight performance characteristics (static and dynamic ceiling) were inferior Russian helicopter, just starting his battle path.

More recently, in 2002, the Mi-35 (an export version of the Mi-24 with modern avionics) of the DPRK Air Force was "banged" from an ambush by a South Korean Apache. South Korea acknowledged the loss and demanded that the United States carry out a free (!) Modernization of the entire fleet of its Apaches to the Longbow version. They are still judging.

1st place - Black Hawk

Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" - multi-purpose helicopter
First flight - 1974
Built - 3000 units
Carrying capacity: 1500 kg of cargo and various equipment inside the cargo compartment or up to 4 tons on an external sling. The landing version takes on board 14 fighters.
Combat load of shock vehicles: 2 machine guns, 4 suspension points. The standard weapon system is NURSs, anti-tank Hellfires, containers with 30 mm guns. Naval versions are armed with 324 mm torpedoes and AGM-119 “Penguin” anti-ship missiles.

Without any exaggeration, the Black Hawk is a helicopter of the 21st century, despite the fact that it was created 40 years ago. The multi-purpose army helicopter was intended to replace the Iroquois, while its naval version, the Sea Hawk, was being developed in parallel. The result was a universal platform for all branches of the military, and in terms of the totality of characteristics - the best helicopter in the world.
In addition to the basic UH-60 land version, there are 2 anti-submarine versions SH-60B “Sea Hawk” and SH-60F “Ocean Hawk” (equipped with a magnetometer and a descending sonar station), a helicopter HH-60 “Rescue Hawk” for combat search and rescue and special operations, as well as a line of MH-60 "Knighthawk" models, including carrier-based helicopters, fire support helicopters, special operations vehicles, ambulance versions, jammers, etc. Sometimes they are used as staff helicopters for high-ranking officials and generals. Actively exported.

good appliances

The Black Hawk is saturated to the limit with high-tech equipment, which places high demands on the service personnel and does not allow long time store it outside the hangar.
The military plans to make the MH-60 a single type of helicopter for all branches of the military and fleet, which should radically reduce costs and simplify maintenance. With his appearance, he replaced the army "Iroquois" and the sea "Seasprite". Now the Black Hawk is successfully duplicating the tasks of transport helicopters and fire support helicopters, replacing the MH-53 sea minesweepers and SH-3 “Sea King” heavy helicopters.

Conclusion

There are exactly 10 places in the top ten. But why didn’t the iconic Ka-50 Black Shark helicopter make it into the rating? Do American experts not even suspect the existence of this machine. Despite the wonderful flight characteristics and unsurpassed maneuverability, only 15 Sharks were produced, the Ka-50 never went beyond the experimental machine. The American AH-56 Cheyenne, an infernal rotorcraft, did not make it into the rating, compared to which all existing Cobras and Apaches are ugly ducklings. On tests, the car showed a speed of more than 400 km / h! Alas, only 10 Cheyennes were produced and the helicopter never hit the troops.
It remains only to summarize - the advanced design and excellent flight performance characteristics do not make the car the best yet. Much more important is its mass appearance in the troops (which allows you to quickly test the car in all modes and cure "childhood diseases" that any design suffers from) and the correct tactics of use.