This is every combat helicopter currently in service with the US military

24/7 Wall St. Outlook:

• The US military has more Apache and Black Hawk helicopters than any other nation
• Apache helicopters are some of the most lethal in the world and can be equipped with a wide range of weapons
• Other combat helicopters in service with the Army include the Little Bird and the Chinook
• Also: Discover the next Nvidia

The US military is home to one of the most impressive helicopter fleets in the world. First, the military, by itself, has more Apache attack helicopters or Black Hawk helicopters than any nation. However, the military equips more than these two helicopters. (The AC-130 Ghostrider takes US Air Force firepower to the next level.)

24/7 Wall St. takes a closer look at the combat helicopters currently serving in the US Army fleet. To identify combat helicopters flown by the US military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the World Air Forces 2024 report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. I ordered these planes in alphabetical order. In addition, we have included additional information about the type of aircraft, how many are in active service and maximum speed. I have excluded all training aircraft.

At the tip of the spear is the Apache attack helicopter. These legendary helicopters debuted in 1986 and are equipped with a wide range of weapons. They come standard with a 30mm autocannon and can equip a number of different missiles as well as missile and cannon pods.

Other military combat helicopters include the Little Bird, which is typically used by special forces units, as well as the tried and true Chinook. However, there is even more to it than these. (These modern gunship helicopters with top speeds.)

Here’s a look at the US Army’s combat helicopters:

Why are we covering this?

Understanding the aircraft used by the US military provides insight into joint military capabilities and defense strategies. Also, knowing what the US has in its arsenal further explains its military capabilities. This further gives context to the tactical flexibility and logistical dimension that the Army brings to its operations. Finally, the composition and technology level of the aircraft fleet highlights the Army’s ability to maintain dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of which are key factors in its strategic defense planning.

AH-64 Apache

• Type: Two-seat attack helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1986
• Producer: Boeing / McDonnell Douglas / Hughes
• Active aircraft: 824
• Aircraft on order: 15
• Maximum speed: 183 mph
• Armament: 30mm Autocannon, Hellfire Missiles, Hydra Missiles, Stinger Missiles, Sidewinder Missiles, Sidearm Missiles

The AH-64 Apache is a mainstay of the US military, with more than 800 of these aircraft currently in service and 15 more on order. Introduced in 1986, this two-seat attack helicopter was designed by Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and Hughes. With a top speed of 183 mph, it is equipped for various assault missions. They come standard with a 30mm autocannon and can then equip Hellfire missiles and Hydra missiles, along with air-to-air munitions such as Stinger, Sidewinder and Sidearm missiles.

AH/MH-6 Small Bird

• Type: Light attack helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1980
• Producer: Hughes / McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
• Active aircraft: 47
• Aircraft on order: 74
• Maximum speed: 175 mph
• Armament: 30mm M230 Chaingun, 12.7mm GAU-19 Gatling Guns, 7.62mm Miniguns, M261 Missiles, Hellfire Missiles, TOW Anti-Tank Missiles, Stinger Missiles

The AH/MH-6 Little Bird is a light attack and reconnaissance helicopter that was introduced in 1980. It was originally designed by Hughes, then later by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. The Little Bird can reach speeds of up to 175 mph. Although this helicopter is small, it packs a punch with its M230 30mm chain guns, 12.7mm GAU-19 gatling guns, 7.62mm miniguns and M261 rocket launchers. It can also equip Hellfire missiles, TOW anti-tank missiles, and Stingers. The Army currently operates 47 Little Birds, with more than 70 additional units on order.

Bell 407

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1996
• Producer: Bell Helicopter
• Active aircraft: 5
• Aircraft on order: 0
• Maximum speed: 162 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Bell 407, introduced in 1996, is a light utility helicopter. Since its introduction by Bell Helicopter, the 407 has been recognized for its reliability and performance in Army transport and logistics operations. These helicopters can reach a top speed of 162 mph and do not come with any standard weaponry. Again, the Bell 407 usually plays various supporting roles.

CH-47 Chinook

• Type: Medium lift tandem rotor transport helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1962
• Producer: Boeing
• Active aircraft: 510
• Aircraft on order: 57
• Maximum speed: 180 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns

The CH-47 Chinook is one of the most iconic aircraft in the US military, known for its distinctive tandem rotor design. Introduced in 1962 by Boeing, the Chinook has evolved into a very capable medium lift platform over the decades. Although these helicopters can only reach a top speed of 180 mph, the military uses them extensively, with more than 500 helicopters in active service and another 57 on order. The Chinook has been used extensively in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions around the world.

H125 Fennec

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1990
• Producer: Eurocopter / Airbus helicopters
• Active aircraft: 1
• Aircraft on order: 0
• Maximum speed: 152 mph
• Armament: 20mm GIAT autocannon, 12.7mm machine gun pods, 7.62mm machine gun pods, FZ220 rockets, BMD-71 TOW rockets

Introduced in 1990, the H125 Fennec is a versatile light utility helicopter that can mount serious weaponry if required. Designed by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, the Fennec can reach a top speed of 152 mph. Despite its classification as a light utility helicopter, it can be armed with a wide range of weapons. These helicopters can equip a 20mm GIAT autocannon, 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine gun pods, FZ220 missile pods and BMD-71 TOW missiles, making it well suited for a range of missions, from for close air support to escort the convoy. Currently, there is only one active helicopter in service.

Wed-8/17 Balance

• Type: Transport helicopter / gunship with medium lift
• Year of introduction: 1977
• Producer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
• Active aircraft: 10
• Aircraft on order: 0
• Maximum speed: 158 mph
• Armament: 23 mm guns, 7.62 mm machine guns, rockets, anti-tank rockets

Although the Mi-8/17 Hip originated in the Soviet Union, there are currently 10 in service with the US military. The Mi-8/17 is a medium-lift helicopter that serves as both a transport and a combat ship. These helicopters were originally designed at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in 1977. The Hip can reach a top speed of 158 mph and is equipped with a wide range of weapons including 23mm cannons, 7.62mm machine guns, rockets and anti-tank missiles. .

S-70 Black Hawk

• Type: Medium lift multi-mission helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1979
• Producer: Sikorsky
• Active aircraft: 2,299
• Aircraft on order: 361
• Maximum speed: 183 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm Machine Guns, Hellfire Missiles, 12.7mm Gatling Guns, M134 Gatling Guns, Missile Pods, 30mm Chain Cannon

The Black Hawk helicopter is by far one of the most iconic helicopters ever built. It is the workhorse of the US military, with over several thousand units currently in service across all branches.

It features twin turboshaft engines, a single four-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor, enabling top speeds of over 180 mph. This helicopter usually carries a crew of two pilots and two crew chiefs and can carry up to 11 fully equipped soldiers. In total, the Black Hawk can carry a payload of about 9,000 pounds.

Black Hawk helicopters have played an important role in conflicts around the globe. An infamous example was the 1993 conflict in Somalia, particularly the Battle of Mogadishu. The Black Hawk played a significant role in urban combat and casualty evacuation under heavy fire. This story would become a hit movie, famously titled “Black Hawk Down”.

UH-72 Lakota

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year of introduction: 2007
• Producer: Eurocopter / Airbus helicopters
• Active aircraft: 478
• Aircraft on order: 30
• Maximum speed: 167 mph
• Armament: N/A

Introduced in 2007, the UH-72 Lakota is a modern light utility helicopter that serves primarily in non-combat missions. These helicopters are widely used by the Army, with over 470 currently in active service. The Lakota typically serves in transportation, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance roles. These helicopters were originally designed by Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters, and have a top speed of 267 mph.

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