Helicopters • Military By

The 8 Types of Military Helicopters (with 16 examples)

Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
photo: Editorial Team
Share on Pinterest Share on WhatsApp

Do you find yourself drawn to military helicopters? From the classic Huey to the essential Naval MH-60, there’s something undeniably interesting about these powerful machines of war. And if you want to learn more about their capabilities and uses, look no further! In this blog post, we give an overview of the eight different types of military helicopters and provide 16 examples as well.

Helicopters are among the most adaptive and versatile weapons system worldwide. Helicopters are integral during times of war and peace. After its development in the 1930s, the military helicopter became paramount during World War 2 military operations. The helicopter provided the military with unparalleled flexibility: its rotors allowing for vertical take-off and landing, and it possessed capabilities to hover and fly in all four directions.

Various category types of advanced military helicopters exist. Each type is uniquely designed to specifically support a defined subset of functions across wide-ranging military operations. Through the news and pop culture we hear terms like “Black Hawk” and “Chinook” helicopters. Each of those unique helicopters are categorized by their main function type and are officially named by a military designation system.

U.S. military aerospace vehicles are designated by the Mission-Design-Series (MDS) designation system where the vehicle type symbol for helicopter is “H”. A second symbols exists for the basic mission type, such as “A” for ground attack. Further designating symbols can include the design number, series letter, status prefix, popular name, and block number. A few examples:

A – attack
C – Cargo/Transport
O – Observation
T – Trainer
U – Utility
V – VTOL

As aviation enthusiasts, we’re going to look at the seven main category types of military helicopters, and we’ll point out some of the most widely known military helicopters for each type along the way.

1. Military Attack Helicopters

AH-1W Super Cobra
Editorial Team AH-1W Super Cobra

Attack helicopters, also known as helicopter gunships, main purpose is to fire on the enemy. To achieve this purpose, attack helicopters are capable of reaching high speeds and are well-armed with an array of weaponry such as machine guns, missiles, and auto-cannons.

Equipped with advanced radar for identifying enemy targets and guiding projectiles, the attack helicopter armory is used to effectively destroy enemy armed tanks and vehicles. The attack helicopter exists as a means of air support for ground troops and other aircraft.

AH-1W Super Cobra

The AH-1W Super Cobra is the Marine Corps main attack helicopter. The AH-1W Super Cobra, manufactured by Bell Helicopter, is an attack helicopter derived from the Huey design. The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter qualifying for both the sidearm anti-radiation missile and the sidewinder air-to-air missile—it can also support hellfire missiles.

The Super Cobra has been operational since its fielding in 1967, and was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The Super Cobra functions as the primary attack helicopter forming the backbone of the USMC air-ground task force utilized when firepower is needed—whether providing ground cover or escorting other air support.

AH-1Z Viper

The Marine Corps has flown the Super Cobra since 1986 and the last of this helicopter was delivered in 1998. The AH-1W Super Cobra replaced the AH-1 Cobra, and the AH-1Z Viper replaced the Super Cobra. In 2020, the Viper is expected to replace the last Super Cobra.

AH-64 Apache

The Apache is a multirole helicopter widely recognizable by its dual rotors. The AH-64 Apache, manufactured by Boeing, is a twin-engine, multi-mission, heavy division attack helicopter with two four-bladed rotors (one main and one tail). The Army utilizes the Apache for precision strike and armed reconnaissance missions during day and night, and in all-weather conditions. The Apache features advanced navigation, avionics, onboard sensor suites, and systems redundancy improving survivability and lethality in combat.

The Apache offers numerous distinguishing features including shielding between cockpits promoting survival of one or more crew members if the aircraft is hit, and the Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS) where the automatic M230 Chain Gun can be mounted to the pilot or gunners’ helmet pointing in the direction they look.

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy

This helicopter also exhibits a nose-mounted sensor suite for night-vision systems and target acquisition, and has four hardpoints mounted with a mixture of Hydra 70 rocket pods and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and is armed with a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 Chain Gun. Since its conception in 1984, the U.S. Army Apache fleet has 3.9M+ flight hours.

Related Article:

2. Military Transport Helicopters

CH-47F Chinook USAF
Editorial Team CH-47F Chinook USAF

Transport helicopters are one of the larger helicopters and are designed to carry heavier loads including light vehicles, large groups of troops, and cargo into combat environments. Despite their size and load carried, transport helicopters have relatively high-speed capability.

Though cargo planes can offer the same function as a transport helicopter, the helicopter is ideal for its ability to vertically land and take off with no runway—speed is critical in battlefield operations. Transport helicopters also carry specialized equipment like rescue hoists and rope lines for dropping off and picking up troops in difficult terrain.

CH-47 Chinook

Arguably, the most widely known transport helicopter is the Chinook. The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Boeing and is often recognized by its tandem rotors. The Chinook is one of the heaviest lifting Western helicopters and is utilized as the United States Army’s primary supply and troop transport helicopter.

Boeing began developing the Chinook in 1956, and it was first fielded in Vietnam in 1962. Since the Vietnam War, the Chinook has been upgraded various times and is not expected to retire until 2060—at which point it will become the Army’s first 100-year longevity aircraft.

The Block 2 Chinook is the second iteration of the Chinook and includes both the CH-47 F-model and CH-47 G-model. Despite the technologically advanced capabilities of the Block 2 Chinook, the U.S. Army announced that as of Fiscal Year 20, they will no longer procure the new CH-47F and will only buy the 69 G-model Chinooks scheduled to be built. The Chinook G-model is the special operations version.

CH-53E Super Stallion

Another notable transport helicopter is the Super Stallion—known for its role in peace keeping and building international relationships. The CH-53E Super Stallion, manufactured by Sikorsky, is the largest heavy-lift transport helicopter utilized by the U.S. military. The Super Stallion was designed for use by the Marine Corps. This helicopter features a seven-bladed main rotor and can carry a whopping 73.5K pounds of cargo.

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has used the Super Stallion since the 1980s and is projected to continue use of this helicopter through at-least 2025. Late- and post-Vietnam War era, the Air Force utilized an early iteration of the Super Stallion, the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant—the Super Stallion is an improved version of the HH-53.

Today, the CH-53E Super Stallion is utilized by multiple countries and is involved in numerous international military exercises—including the world’s largest international maritime training exercise. This helicopter has notably improved international relations and worldwide sea lane and ocean security.

The U.S. Army’s main transport helicopter is the UH-60 Black Hawk which has been serving since 1978. This twin rotor craft is used in search and rescue, medical evacuation, cargo lift and combat assault missions. It features advanced avionics systems that enable it to be operated in all weather conditions as well as an internal cargo space large enough to transport up to 11 troops.

The U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion is the most advanced transport helicopter in service. It’s designed to transport up to 36,000 pounds of cargo or troops and features multiple digital interfaces, advanced avionics systems and enhanced navigation capabilities. It also includes an external fuel system which allows for increased range and altitude over other helicopters. This chopper is the perfect choice for any mission requiring heavy-duty transport capabilities in difficult terrain or in hostile environments.

3. Military Observation Helicopters

MH-6 Little Bird 2
Editorial Team MH-6 Little Bird 2

Observation helicopters host sensor and communication equipment supporting intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance missions. These helicopters feature sensor suites, communications equipment, infrared cameras, low-light television, and laser systems utilized to observe and identify targets. Some targeting operations by observation helicopters include guiding anti-tank missiles and directing air strikes.

MH-6 Little Bird

An observation helicopter which is critically important to military operations, and famous by modern film, is the Little Bird. The MH-6 Little Bird, often called “the killer egg,” is an unmanned reconnaissance helicopter manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Little Bird features main fuel tanks resistant to small arms fire and capability to mount external fuel tanks for extended-range. Unlike many military aircraft, the Little Bird boasts the ability to be rapidly dismantled, air transported via cargo plane, and rapidly rebuilt upon arrival at the destination.

The Little Bird contains many advanced digital cockpit systems including navigation, sensor, night vision, and control units. Numerous variants of the Little Bird exist including the MH-6M which has been extensively modified with avionics and mounted specialized equipment and weapons system provisions.

Originally designed for reconnaissance, in the 1980s the Little Bird was proven most effective in combat. Today, the Little Bird’s nearly exclusive use is by the U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—depositing troops, or “night stalkers,” into narrow spaces or on rooftops. The Little Bird also became widely known through the book and movie “Black Hawk Down” where the aircraft were shown transporting Delta Force Soldiers.

OH-58 Kiowa Warrior

Another stealth reconnaissance helicopter, widely utilized by military forces worldwide, is the Kiowa. The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, manufactured by Bell Helicopter, is a four-bladed, single-engine reconnaissance helicopter featuring advanced weapons, navigation, visionics, communication, and cockpit integration systems enabling day and night operations in adverse weather conditions and standoff ranges. The Kiowa primarily functions as a target, light attack, and defensive air combat mission helicopter for the U.S. Army. The Kiowa is rapidly deployable and operates fully just minutes after arrival.

Since the first Kiowa was received by the Army in 1969, this helicopter has been operational in numerous wars across many service branches including the Vietnam War, Operation Prime Chance with the U.S. Navy, RAID with the Army National Guard, in post-2001 Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In 2013, the Aviation Restructure Initiative resulted in the U.S. Army divesting upward of 300 Kiowa helicopters through foreign military sales.

4. Military Utility Helicopters

Utility helicopters are highly versatile aircraft that excel in all environments. These helicopters can be utilized for all functions from reconnaissance or attack to transport and evacuation operations. The most iconic and notorious utility helicopter is the Black Hawk.

UH-60 Black Hawk

The UH-60 Black Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky, is a medium-lift, twin-engine, four-bladed utility helicopter. The Black Hawk is the U.S. Army’s tactical transport helicopter and air assault aircraft. The Black Hawk features a dragging tail wheel landing gear system. This military helicopter operates in all-weather conditions. In arctic environments, the Black Hawk can be fitted with landing skis.

The Black Hawk was first fielded by the Army in 1978 after Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk design won the United States Army Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1976. Today, upward of 2,000 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter variants are in U.S. military service. The UH-60 Black hawk became well-known by the American public through the film “Black Hawk Down” released in 2001.

Originally, Army Regulation 70-28 dictated the naming of helicopters after Native American tribes. Said regulation no longer exists, but the tradition remains, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs is involved in the naming of new helicopters. The UH-60 Black Hawk was named in honor of the Native American War Leader, Black Hawk.

UH-1Y Venom

The utility helicopter “UH-1Y Venom” is known for its survivability. The UH-1Y Venom, manufactured by Bell Helicopter, is a new Marine Corps utility helicopter set to replace the Huey. The Venom is nicknamed “Super Huey” and “Yankee” acknowledging the phonetic pronunciation of its variant letter “Y.” This helicopter began fielding in 2008 replacing the Marine Corps fleet of UH-1N Twin Huey aircraft.

This military aircraft features two turboshaft engines and a four-bladed, ballistically tolerant, all-composite rotor system. The Super Huey is an armed aircraft and offers greater survivability and load carrying capability, as well as a 50-percent increase in speed and range. The Super Huey is utilized for command, control, and assault support during the day and night and in adverse weather conditions.

UH-1Y Iroquis

The Iroquois, better known as the Huey, is a utility type helicopter with historical importance. The UH-1 Iroquis, known as “the Huey” and manufactured by Bell Helicopter, is a single-engine, light-lift utility helicopter with two-bladed main and tail rotors. In 1952, the Huey was developed to achieve U.S. Army medical evacuation requirements. In 1960, the Huey became the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for the U.S. military.

Capable of flight in day and night conditions, the Huey was first fielded in Vietnam as a combat-zone troop transport helicopter. In 1970, the UH-1N Iroquois entered the Air Force aircraft inventory for its search and rescue capability. Today, 16K+ of this military helicopter have been manufactured worldwide and the Huey is utilized to support wide-ranging missions including counter-narcotics operations in Afghanistan with the DEA.

5. Military Maritime Helicopters

Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Editorial Team Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk

Maritime helicopters are newer aircraft equipped with advanced electronics and weapons systems. These helicopters were developed to support various U.S. Naval missions including search and rescue and surveillance, but their largest role is anti-submarine warfare and weapon delivery including air-launching torpedoes.

The role of helicopters in anti-submarine warfare has been increasingly important in the 21st century as submarines have become more advanced and stealthy. These choppers help to locate and track submarines so that ships can attack them. Helicopters are also used to drop torpedoes and even depth charges as part of the anti-submarine warfare.

MH-60R Seahawk

The most widely known maritime helicopter is the MH-60R Seahawk. The Seahawk, also called “Romeo” due to its designating letter “R,” is a multi-mission Naval helicopter with the primary role of an anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system asset. Today, the U.S. Navy considers this maritime helicopter to be the most capable helicopter available, utilizing sophisticated sonar systems to detect underwater targets such as submarines.

Other helicopters involved in anti-submarine warfare are the British Royal Navy’s Merlin HM1, the French Navy’s Dauphin, and the Canadian CH-148 Cyclone.

6. Military Multi-Role Helicopters

Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota of the US Army
Editorial Team Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota of the US Army

A versatile type of helicopter, multirole helicopters supporting wide-ranging missions across service branches. These helicopters are utilized when inhospitable environments and difficult terrain exists during rescue, medivac, and recovery missions. Multirole helicopters include:

  • Medical Evacuation helicopters (medevac)
  • Anti-Submarine helicopters
  • Armed Reconnaissance helicopters
  • Anti-piracy helicopters

UH-72A Lakota

Relieving the Black Hawk is the Lakota: a multipurpose helicopter heavily utilized in the Army training environment. The UH-72A Lakota, manufactured by Eurocopter, is a twin-engine, single four-bladed main rotor, single two-bladed tail rotor, light-duty helicopter utilized by the U.S. Army National Guard. The tail rotor is boxed in allowing for safe cargo loading and unloading capability.

The Lakota is an unarmed, light-duty utility helicopter with the primary use as a medivac helicopter. As of 2006, the U.S. Army National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California began utilizing the Lakota to relieve the Black Hawk helicopters currently assigned there for medivac missions.

MH-60 Jayhawk

A favorite multirole helicopter of the Coast Guard is the Jayhawk. The MH-60 Jayhawk, manufactured by Sikorsky, is a two-engine, medium-range, multi-mission helicopter derived from the Army’s Black Hawk helicopter.

The Jayhawk is utilized by the U.S. Coast Guard for search and rescue, marine environmental protection, military readiness, law enforcement, and maritime drug interdiction missions in all-weather conditions. Notably, the Jayhawk has deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Alaskan hiker rescues, and Hurricane Sandy offshore rescue.

First fielded in 1990, the Jayhawk replaced the now-retired Pelican. Two variants of the Jayhawk exist including the HH-60J and MH-60T, both of which are multi-range recovery helicopters. The USCG air fleet contains 42 MH-60 Jayhawks, most of which are operational and many of which have been converted to the MH-60T since 2008.

V-22 Osprey

An additional and impressive multipurpose helicopter is the Osprey—an aircraft utilized by special operations in combat zones. The V-22 Osprey, manufactured by Boeing, is a multirole combat aircraft. The Osprey is unique in that it takes off and lands like a helicopter, but the Osprey converts into a turboprop airplane during flight through the helicopter’s tilt rotor technology.

Iterations of the Osprey are utilized by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force for special operations missions. With its unique capability, the Osprey has deployed in medivac and transport operations in combat-zones across the Middle East.

SH-3 Sea King

Finally, the Sea King is among the most notable multipurpose helicopters for its active role of transporting the U.S. president. The SH-3 Sea King, manufactured by Sikorsky, is a twin-engine helicopter featuring a boat-like frame atop pontoons with floating bags allowing it to make a water landing.

The Sea King was the first amphibious helicopter worldwide and the first of its kind for use by the U.S. military. The Sea King’s primary use was for anti-submarine warfare by the U.S. Navy.

From its first use in 1961 through its replacement in the 1990s, the Sea King was a key anti-submarine warfare asset by the U.S. Navy. More than 52-years after its first flight, today the Sea King is no longer in production, but it continues to serve Marine One flying the President of the United States.

7. Military Search and Rescue Helicopters

Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin of the Coastguard over Oahu
Editorial Team Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin of the Coastguard over Oahu

The last type of helicopter we’re going to look at today are search & rescue helicopters. These types of helicopters are agile and durable aircraft capable of navigating all terrain and weather conditions. The primary role of this aircraft is to search, rescue, and recover, often in difficult conditions and critical situations. To achieve this, search and rescue helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems.

MH-65 Dolphin

The Coast Guard’s primary search and rescue helicopter is the Dolphin. The MH-65 Dolphin, manufactured by Eurocopter, is a two-engine, short-range recovery helicopter operated by and easily identified as a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter due to its orange color. The Dolphin operates during day and night and in all weather conditions except during icing.

The Dolphin joined the U.S. Coast Guard inventory in 1984. The Coast Guard’s air fleet contains an inventory of 100 Dolphins. Today, the Dolphin is the Coast Guard’s primary search and rescue helicopter. This helicopter is expected to operate through 2027.

The MH-65 recently underwent significant upgrades including addressing obsolete components and upgrading the communications package through a conversion-sustainment initiative. Notably, since 2007, the Coast Guard’s Dolphin fleet received engine upgrades adding 40-percent more airborne use of force and power capabilities.

8. Military Training Helicopters

Trainer helicopters are used to train pilots in the military. These helicopters are typically smaller and less powerful than other types of military helicopters, but they provide pilots with plenty of opportunities for practicing their flying skills.

Trainer helicopters are cheaper to produce and operate than other types of helicopters, which makes them ideal for learning operations. They are also more maneuverable and can be used in a variety of environments, including urban areas and mountainous terrain, allowing trainee pilots to become confident flyers before getting into the ‘real’ deal.

Bell TH-67 Creek

This is one of the most popular trainer helicopters in military use today. The Bell TH-67 Creek is a single engine helicopter used for instrument training and proficiency. The helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W engine and is equipped with advanced avionics, including an autopilot system, which makes it easier for pilots to practice the more complex maneuvers of flying.

FAQ about Military Helicopters

The most common helicopter in the Army is the UH-60 Black Hawk, which has been in service since 1979. It is used for a wide variety of missions, including transport, reconnaissance, and MEDEVAC.

The most advanced helicopter in the U.S. military’s arsenal is the V-22 Osprey, which was first introduced in 2007. It has a unique tilt rotor design that allows it to take off and land like a conventional helicopter, but fly like an airplane. This gives it significantly better range and speed than other helicopters of similar size.

The Army uses several different types of helicopters, depending on the mission. These include utility helicopters like the UH-60 Black Hawk, light attack/reconnaissance helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, heavy lift transport helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook, and special operations aircraft like the MH-47G Chinook and MH-53 Pave Low. Each type of helicopter has its own unique capabilities that make it suitable for a wide range of military missions.

The Navy uses helicopters for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, transport, logistics, and combat. Some of the most commonly used helicopter types in the Navy are the MH-60R Seahawk, UH-3 Sea King, MH-53E Sea Dragon, SH-60B Seahawk, CH-53 Sea Stallion, and VH-3 Sea King. Each type of helicopter is specifically designed to meet the needs of naval operations, with features such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, sonar systems, and special cargo options.

The Coast Guard uses helicopters for search and rescue operations, law enforcement activities, fisheries patrols, migrant interdiction, port security, drug interdiction, pollution response, and other missions. The most commonly used helicopter types in the Coast Guard are the MH-65 Dolphin, HH-60J Jayhawk, HC-130 Hercules C-130, and HH-65 Dauphin. These helicopters are designed with special features to meet the needs of the Coast Guard’s operations such as long-range patrol capabilities, hover capability, advanced airborne sensors, infrared cameras, and specialized rescue equipment.

The U.S. Air Force uses a variety of military helicopters, including the H-1 Huey, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, MH-53 Pave Low and MH-139 Grey Wolf. These aircraft are used in a wide range of operations such as reconnaissance missions, troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and air assault. Each helicopter is designed to meet specific needs and is equipped with specialized features such as high-tech communication equipment, sensors for night operations and infrared cameras.

The Canadian Military’s primary helicopter used for operations is the CH-148 Cyclone. It is a multi-role aircraft capable of performing a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue, surveillance, transportation and supply delivery. The Cyclone also has specialized features such as advanced sensors and communication equipment that allow for night operations and maritime surveillance. Other helicopters used by the Canadian Military include the CH-146 Griffon and MH-139A Grey Wolf. The CH-146 Griffon is a light utility helicopter used for transport and surveillance operations in both Canadian airspace and abroad. The MH-139A Grey Wolf is an advanced armed attack helicopter that features sophisticated sensors, infrared cameras, precision weapons delivery systems and other equipment specialized for military usage.

Military helicopters have become much quieter over the years due to advances in engine technology and sound insulation materials. However, they are still relatively loud compared to other aircraft and can often be heard from a distance. Furthermore, some specialized stealth military helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache are designed to reduce noise even further for missions requiring covert operations.

Most military helicopters are not bulletproof, although some may be fitted with special armor plating and bulletproof glass. In addition to improving the aircraft’s protection against small arms fire, this armor can also help protect crew members from shrapnel in the event of an onboard explosion.

Yes, some military helicopters are armored. The primary purpose of this armor is to increase the aircraft’s protection against small arms fire and shrapnel from onboard explosions. In addition, certain types of military helicopters may be fitted with bulletproof glass as well.

Military helicopters are commonly referred to as “choppers” or “helos.” This terminology is often used interchangeably with the more formal term “rotary wing aircraft,” which describes any type of fixed-wing aircraft that relies on lift from rotors as opposed to wings.

Many military helicopters are named after Native American tribes. The names are often chosen to honor the tribes’ contributions to history, culture, and patriotism. Some commonly known examples of military helicopters named after tribes include the Apache (AH-64), Iroquois (UH-1N), Osprey (MV-22), and Chinook (CH-47). The names have become so iconic that they are even used in popular culture to describe the helicopters.

Military helicopters can typically fly up to altitudes of 10,000 feet or higher. The actual altitude depends on the type of helicopter and the mission it is designed for. Some military copters fly at much higher altitudes than others in order to perform specialized missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuation.

Military helicopters typically have a cruising speed of 80-120 knots (92-138 mph). However, some models are capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 knots (288 mph). The exact speed depends on the type and model. Generally speaking, military helicopters fly faster than their civilian counterparts as they often need to move quickly in order to conduct their missions.

The range of military helicopters varies depending on the type and model. The older models have a range of around 200 miles, while newer models can fly up to 900 miles without refueling. The exact range depends on the payload the helicopter is carrying, fuel capacity, and other factors.

Military helicopters are loud due to their engines and rotors. The sound of a military helicopter is much louder than a civilian one as they often fly at higher speeds and closer to the ground. Additionally, many military helicopters have afterburners that create additional noise.

Military helicopters fly low to reduce their detection by ground-based radar and other enemy detection systems. Additionally, flying low offers increased maneuverability when flying in hostile environments or during combat operations. Flying at lower altitudes also reduces the amount of noise generated from the aircraft’s rotors, allowing it to remain undetected.

The first helicopter entered military service in the 1940s. It was used mainly for reconnaissance and transport duties. The first combat mission involving a helicopter took place in Korea in 1950. Today, helicopters are widely used by militaries around the world for various purposes such as search and rescue operations, troop insertions, medical evacuations, and more.

Some military helicopters are designed to be more resistant to RPGs. For example, the US Army’s AH-64 Apache helicopter is equipped with advanced armor plating and countermeasures that can help protect it from attack. Additionally, some helicopters have additional flare launchers or other defensive systems which can be used to distract or confuse incoming fire.

Yes, most military aircraft are equipped with transponders that allow them to be tracked by radar. Additionally, modern technologies such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) can also help track and manage air traffic.

Military helicopters are typically made from a range of materials depending on their purpose. Generally, they are made up of composite components such as titanium and reinforced aluminum. Additionally, the rotor blades usually have a carbon fiber core for increased strength and durability.

No, military helicopters are not available for civilian purchase. These vehicles are built for a specific purpose and require specialized training to operate safely. Many of these helicopters are also equipped with advanced weaponry making them off-limits to civilians.

Boeing is responsible for producing several different military helicopters. These include the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, MH-6 Little Bird, and V22 Osprey. Each of these helicopters has been designed to meet specialized needs within the military. Whether it’s transporting troops or engaging in air combat, Boeing’s helicopters have been designed with the modern battlefield in mind.

Airbus produces several different military helicopters. These include the NH90, Tiger, EC665 Tigre HAD, and Eurocopter X3. Much like Boeing’s offerings, each of Airbus’s helicopters has been designed specifically to meet the needs of modern warfare.

Yes, some military helicopter pilots do name their helicopters. This practice is more common in fighter jets, but there are a few cases of helicopter pilots naming their aircraft as well. Names can range from humorous to sentimental and typically reflect the pilot’s relationship with the aircraft.

The US Navy SEALs use a variety of helicopters, but the main one they rely on is the Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk. This highly maneuverable and powerful helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, a retractable in-flight refueling probe, and an integrated electro-optical/infrared sensor suite for nighttime operations. Other types of military helicopters the Navy SEALs may use include the UH-1Y Venom, MH-53 Pave Low III, and CH-47 Chinook.
types of military helicopters PIN 2
Editorial Team Share me on Pinterest!

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy
Share on Pinterest Share on WhatsApp

Related Posts

About the Author

author photo
Editorial Team