In 1976, it was planned to enter service with a new CH-46E helicopter, created on the basis of the CH-46D helicopter. The foreign press indicated that it would be equipped with a T58-16 engine with an 1870 horsepower. c, have a maximum takeoff weight of 10,600 kg and will be able to take off from a site located at an altitude of 900 m above sea level, at an ambient temperature of 33 ° C. For the same helicopter, by the beginning of 1979, it is planned to develop fiberglass rotor blades.

The Boeing company began the implementation of the program for the further modernization of the CH-47 helicopter at the end of 1976. The new version of the helicopter, designated CH-47D, has (unlike the latest model CH-47C) a simplified hydraulic system and an improved control system. It is reported that as a result of a number of design changes, the survivability of the helicopter will increase. Ultimately, the company's specialists suggest reducing the helicopter's vulnerability to enemy fire by 36-75%. It is planned to modernize 198 helicopters, the pace of work is three machines per month. According to the US Army Command, the implementation of this modernization program will significantly improve the combat capabilities of CH-47 helicopters.

The main calculated performance characteristics of the above new and modernized helicopters are given in the table.

Currently, US Army specialists are defining a set of requirements for a promising reconnaissance helicopter, the creation of which is scheduled for the ASH (Advanced Scout Helicopter) program. In particular, as reported in the foreign press, their requirements for the equipment of such a helicopter provide for the installation of a complex of electronic equipment ( total weight which should not exceed 370 kg), including a television detection system, an infrared night vision system in the front hemisphere, a laser designator and a laser range finder.

Under this program, it is planned to purchase 700 vehicles. Some American experts believe that since one of the main conditions of the ASH program is the low cost of a helicopter (less than $ 1 million), the development of a new machine is excluded. There are only two options for implementing the program: the modernization of 700 light reconnaissance helicopters currently in service or the modernization of 400 existing OH-6D air surveillance helicopters, as well as the purchase of 300 more advanced helicopters of a similar class OH-58A and re-equipping them with the above equipment.

The above data shows that the creation of new and improvement of helicopters in service with the US Army is the next round of the arms race, which is continued by US imperialism, despite the positive changes taking place in the world.

In all military conflicts of recent decades, helicopters have played a very important role, which are used to transport goods, evacuate the wounded and strike at the enemy. It was helicopters that did most of the dirty work in Vietnam, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. Attack helicopters, designed for destruction and destruction, stand apart here. Meet the ten best attack helicopters of our time, which are located on the best ratio speed, firepower, maneuverability and electronic stuffing.

10. Mi-24 (USSR)

The Mi-24 is one of the world's first specialized attack helicopters designed to support infantry on the battlefield and destroy enemy armored vehicles. He became an alternative to the American AH-1 "Cobra", however, with its own specifics. In addition to powerful weapons and good armor, the Mi-24 can be used as a transport helicopter for transporting up to eight people. This veteran, whose production began in the early 70s of the last century, remains in service to this day, boasts a bunch of modifications and has shown itself well in numerous military conflicts.

9. Z-10 (China)

Z-10 is the first Chinese attack helicopter, which was created with the active participation of the European companies Augusta & Eurocopter. The helicopter is made according to the classic modern scheme with a narrow fuselage, a cockpit in which the pilots sit one after another, and all critical components are hidden behind armor plates. The Z-10 is armed with a 30 mm cannon, HJ-9 or HJ-10 anti-tank missiles, TY-90 air-to-air missiles and unguided. Its main task is to destroy armored vehicles, defensive structures and ensure superiority over the enemy on the battlefield.

8. AH-2 Rooivalk (South Africa)

The South African company Denel Aerospace Systems boasts the creation and production of the AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter. The machine is designed to destroy manpower, armored vehicles and enemy fortifications. Although this helicopter was designed from scratch, however, part of the components, including the engine and rotor, were borrowed from the Aerospatiale Puma helicopter. To date, 12 pieces of AH-2 Rooivalk are in service with the South African Air Force.

7. AH-1W Super Cobra (USA)

AH-1W Super Cobra is an American twin-engine attack helicopter based on the single-engine AH-1 Cobra helicopter, which increased its survivability on the battlefield and payload. The helicopter was produced in several modifications AH-1J SeaCobra, AH-1T Improved SeaCobra and AH-1W SuperCobra. AH-1W Super Cobra, the main armament of which was a 20-mm cannon, air-to-ground, air-to-air missiles, plus containers with unguided rockets, bombs or cannons can be fixed on suspensions.

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

Agusta A129 Mangusta (this is the official name of this device) was the first attack helicopter developed and launched in mass production in Western Europe in the second half of the 80s of the last century by the Italian company Agusta. The helicopter turned out to be very compact, where the use of armor plates is minimized, which was compensated by a special layout of units, duplication important systems and self-tightening tanks/tubes. Traditionally for attack helicopters, the pilots are located in the cockpit one behind the other. In 2007, the Turkish company Turkish Aerospace Industries received a license for its production of helicopters, which released a simplified version of the helicopter under the symbol T-129 (it is impossible to install part of the armament) adopted by the Turkish army. The helicopter is armed with three 20-mm cannons, guided air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles and an unguided missile array.

5. AH-1Z Viper (USA)

The AH-1Z Viper is actually a further development of the twin-engine AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, which has become even more deadly and dangerous, adopted by the US Marine Corps. It uses a new composite four-bladed main and tail rotor, a new transmission and guidance system that allows you to effectively fight at night and in poor visibility.

4. Mi-28N "Night hunter" (Russia)

The Russian attack helicopter Mi-28N is designed for use at any time of the day and in any weather, designed to replace the honored veteran Mi-24. A 30-mm cannon is installed in the nose of the helicopter, and blocks with unguided missiles, guided air-to-ground missiles to destroy enemy armored vehicles or pillboxes, guided air-to-air missiles or containers with guns can be mounted on four external suspensions.

3. Eurocopter Tiger (France/Germany)

The Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter, created by the Franco-German company Eurocopter, has been adopted by Germany, France, Spain and Australia. There are two Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft gas turbine engines here, and the hull is almost entirely made of polymer materials reinforced with carbon and kevlar threads. Crew members are arranged in tandem one behind the other, but at the same time slightly shifted to the side to improve viewing angles. The Eurocopter Tiger is armed with a 30mm cannon, air-to-surface, surface-to-surface and rocket launchers.

2. Kamov Ka-50/Ka-52 (Russia)

Russian, although it is correct to call it Soviet, after all, the USSR created and brought it to mind, the Ka-50 attack helicopter is a truly unique machine. Firstly, it is single, and secondly, it has a double coaxial main rotor without a tail rotor. The helicopter turned out to be very compact, fast and nimble with a range of 250 km and capable of accelerating up to 350 km/h. The Ka-50 has a 30mm cannon, and four external hangers can carry air-to-ground and air-to-air guided missiles, unguided missile units, cannon containers or bombs. Ka-52 is a two-seat modification of the helicopter.

1. AH-64D Apache Long Bow (USA)

The AH-64D Apache Long Bow Attack Helicopter is a real tank and armored personnel carrier killer ready to do its dirty work day and night in any weather. He is literally all crammed with electronics, which allows you to strike from afar, while remaining invisible to the enemy. The helicopter is capable of simultaneously carrying 16 AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles air-to-ground missiles, 76 Hydra unguided missiles, and that's not counting 1200 30-mm automatic cannon rounds. The AH-64D Apache especially distinguished itself during military campaigns in the Persian Gulf, becoming a real killer of Iraqi tanks.

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, providing fire support, taking 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 features demanded 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 on 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. The Lynx took part in the Falklands War, a cycle of naval battles that became the largest naval 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 made their mark in the war zone in the Balkans, where they ensured the 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 is provided by transport, then directly on the battlefield this is the task of helicopters.
This problem was especially acute for the 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 took out 100 planes and helicopters that made emergency landings.In total, during the Vietnam War, they evacuated a thousand devices with a total value of 3 billion dollars!
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, anti-tank guided missiles TOW 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 the Cobras unexpectedly turned into hunters, a meat grinder in Waziristan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq - this is an incomplete track record of the Cobra ...

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 upgraded "Cobra" is in service with the US Marine Corps. 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 it creates at least a quarter of the lift force with the help of wings, and, at 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, an airborne 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 hot Asian deserts and tropical forests of 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 the Iran-Iraq War, an Mi-24 shot down an Iranian F-4 Phantom supersonic 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 CH-53 "Sea Stalyen" helicopter, 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-blade 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 battle 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. It is used as a transport and attack helicopter, used for reconnaissance, as command post, minelayer, tanker and ambulance helicopter. Civilian versions serve passenger airlines, are used in agriculture and during the liquidation of the consequences 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 the 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 70 mm caliber or Stinger missile systems 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 in the dark. 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 to the Russian helicopter, which was just starting its combat 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 conduct 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 land version of the UH-60, there are 2 anti-submarine versions SH-60B “Sea Hawk” and SH-60F “Ocean Hawk” (equipped with a magnetometer and a descending sonar station), the HH-60 “Rescue Hawk” helicopter 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 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, 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 excellent 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.

Those who are interested in the topic of Aviation can remember ours. And today I saw on the Internet disputes and discussions of the Indian tender between the Chinook and the Mi-26 and decided to take a closer look at it. And then we will look at our Mi-26, compare and find out what is the reason for such a decision or such a media report :-)

Boeing CH-47 Chinook (eng. Boeing CH-47 Chinook) is an American heavy military transport helicopter of the longitudinal scheme. In March 1959, the US Army command, having considered proposals from five American helicopter companies, chose the Boeing Vertol Model 114 as the most suitable for the requirements for a promising

army transport helicopter. It must be all-weather, have a rear cargo hatch, lift up to 1814 kg of cargo in the cabin or up to 7258 kg on an external sling, take on board at least 40 paratroopers in full gear and with weapons, be able to transport any of the elements of the Martin Marietta Pershing missile system , as well as be adapted for the evacuation of the wounded.

In June 1959, a contract was issued for the assembly of five pre-production YHC-1Bs, which, after entering the troops, were renamed the YCH-47A Chinook.

The Model 114 was actually an enlarged and more powerful version of the Model 107 helicopter designed by the same company, featuring a four-wheel instead of a three-wheel landing gear, a completely sealed lower fuselage along the entire length and the presence of bulges on both sides - due to this, it was possible to ensure the buoyancy of the machine and the possibility of landing and takeoff from the water surface.

The first YHC-1B took off on September 21, 1961, by which time the development company had already received the first contract for the supply of a batch of serial CH-47As.

Two Lycoming T55-L-5 engines with a capacity of 2200 hp were chosen as the power plant. s, later replaced by the T55-L-7 with 2650 hp. with. Delivery of the CH-47A began in August 1962, with a total of 354 helicopters on order.

To date, based on the basic model, a whole family of Chinook helicopters has been developed and built. The first of these was the CH-47B, which was distinguished by two T55-L-7C engines with an HP 2850 power. with, rotors with blades with an increased chord and an improved profile, as well as having a number of other improvements. The first of two prototypes flew in October 1966 and deliveries began on May 10, 1967. A total of 108 helicopters of this modification were delivered.

The next representative of the family was the CH-47C (export designation Model 234 or Model 414), which had T55-L-1 1A engines with an HP 3750 power. c, reinforced transmission and increased fuel capacity. The first machine took off on October 14, 1967, deliveries to the customer began in early 1968. 270 of these helicopters were delivered, of which 182 were later upgraded with a more damage-resistant fuel system and composite rotor blades. Nine such machines were built by order of the Canadian Armed Forces and received the designation CH-147 (deliveries started in September 1974 of the year).

During the Vietnam War, four ACH-47As were produced, which were CH-47As with armor for the cockpit and vital parts of the helicopter, as well as an armament complex from a 40-mm M5 automatic grenade launcher mounted in the nose on a rotating turret and placed on pylons 20 mm cannon and 7.62 mm machine gun or unit for 19 unguided rockets. In addition, in the cockpit - along the sides and in the rear - there were five turrets with 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine guns. Three of these helicopters were actively used in the interests of special operations forces in Vietnam, but the program did not receive further development.

Helicopters of the Chinook family are still the main ones in the US Army, and the helicopters of the CH-47A, CH-47B and CH-47C modifications that were in service have been repeatedly upgraded. In particular, within the framework of one of the programs developed to increase the resource and carrying capacity of these helicopters, one of the machines of all three modifications was subjected to overhaul and modernization - they became prototypes of the new CH-47D modification. The first of three prototypes flew on May 11, 1979, and the first production CH-47D on February 26, 1982. The new model was equipped with more powerful T55-L-712 engines with a capacity of 4500 hp. Since, more than a dozen improvements have been introduced - the transmission has been strengthened, new rotors and an auxiliary power unit have been installed, electronic and hydraulic equipment and in-flight refueling systems have been improved, and the airframe structure has also been strengthened. Boeing received a contract worth more than $3.5 billion to modernize 472 previously built helicopters; the first modernized helicopter was delivered to the customer in May 1982.

The RAF ordered 33 helicopters under the designation Chinook HC.Mk 1, built to Canadian CH-147 standards but fitted with British avionics and other equipment. Later they were upgraded to Chinook HC.Mk 1B standard. The first helicopter was handed over to the customer in August 1980, and then their fleet in the UK was brought up to 41 machines. The next step was the modernization of British helicopters to the Chinook HC.Mk 1 A standard, and 32 aircraft were later upgraded to the Chinook HC.Mk 2 variant (similar to the American CH-47D), including by installing T55-L-712F engines. In addition, the British military ordered 17 helicopters: two Chinook HC.Mk 2, four Chinook HC.Mk 2A, the rest in the Chinook HC.Mk 3 modification, similar to the MH-47E helicopter used by the US Special Operations Forces. However, the machines of the latest modification did not immediately get into operation - due to problems with avionics, they were placed on warehousing, but in 2008 they began to convert to the HC.Mk 2 / 2A variant (delivery of the first is scheduled for 2010).

In the 1970s, the licensed construction of Chinook helicopters in Italy began - they were supplied to European and Middle Eastern customers, the rights to produce them were acquired by Elicotteri Meridionali. In July 2008, the license was transferred to the company "AgustaWestland" - for the Italian army, it must collect modernized CH-47F.

The export version of the helicopter was produced by Boeing Vertol (then Boeing Helicopters, later simply Boeing) under the designation CH-47D International Chinook (Model 414-100), and in recent times the company focused on the production of CH-47F modification helicopters.

In addition to Canada and the UK, helicopters of this family were purchased in different time Argentina, Australia, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Italy (CH-47C Plus), Japan (CH-47J, license built by Kawasaki), Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.

In the summer of 1978, Boeing announced the development of a civilian version of the Chinook, two basic modifications were planned: the Model 234LR (Long Range) in passenger, combi, or cargo versions, as well as the Model 234UT (Utility Transport) for special tasks such as as exploration of minerals, transportation of oversized cargo or construction and installation works. Later, the Model 234ER (Extended Range) helicopter was released with additional fuel tanks installed in the cockpit.

The Model 234LR program was launched in November 1978 after the signing of a contract with British Airways Helicopters for three aircraft (later increased to six), which were supposed to be used to transport passengers and urgent cargo from Scotland to offshore oil platforms. In the passenger version, such a helicopter could take up to 44 people.

Avco Lycoming AL 5512 engines were installed on civilian vehicles, and in emergency both rotors could be powered by the same engine. In the influx of the fuselage, additional large-capacity fuel tanks were installed. These same influxes provided the helicopter with fairly good buoyancy.

The first Model 234LR took off on August 19, 1980, two more helicopters were also involved in the test program, and the first machine entered service on July 1, 1981.

Helicopters of the Chinook family were often converted to solve various tasks in the interests of special operations forces. So, in the early 1990s, Boeing produced 26 MH-47E helicopters equipped with T55-L-714 engines for the US Army Special Forces, where they worked in close cooperation with converted production vehicles CH-47D SOA (Special Operations Aircraft) and MH -47D SOA. The helicopters had armor, offensive and defensive weapons, additional fuel and an in-flight refueling system. The machines also received the latest avionics, electronic warfare systems and all-weather navigation systems (including night vision goggles, a forward-looking IR camera, an inertial navigation system with a GPS signal receiver and an APQ-174 radar).

Since the late 1990s, Boeing has been working on equipping the CH-47F helicopter with 5000 hp engines. with new rotors, increased capacity fuel tanks and new avionics. The new machine made its first flight on June 25, 2001, it had Honeywell T55-714A engines - 25% more power compared to the CH-47D helicopter engines. It is assumed that the US Army will purchase 513 vehicles of a new modification - 452 of them will be new, and the rest will be modernized from those in service. The latter received the designation MH-47G.

The first division was completely re-equipped with the CH-47F modification in July 2007, and by the middle of the next year, the development company received orders from Australia, Canada and the Netherlands. Turkey and India have shown interest in this helicopter.

Boeing has also developed an upgraded version of the HH-47 in response to requirements issued by the US Air Force for a new helicopter to replace the MH-53M Pave Low fleet (CSAR-X program). The proposal was sent to the Air Force command in November 2005, and in November 2006 Boeing was declared the winner in the tender for a promising helicopter. Boeing's rivals were US101's S-92-based variant and Lockheed Martin's helicopter. These companies filed a protest, disagreeing with the results of the tender - as a result, in November 2007, the US Air Force was forced to re-announce its requirements for a promising machine, and as of August 2009, a decision on the choice of a particular helicopter was not announced.

In August 2007, Boeing announced plans to build an enlarged version of the CH-47F that would have increased range and payload. This program could be launched as early as 2010.

In 2011, the US Army and the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing began to develop requirements for an upgraded version of the heavy military transport helicopter CH-47 Chinook, according to Flightglobal. As expected, a preliminary list of requirements could be drawn up as early as 2011. In 2019, Boeing will deliver the last of the ordered CH-47Gs to the US Army, after which the production lines will either need to be closed or reoriented to the production of new machines.

There are three options for further upgrading the helicopter platform used by the US military since 1962. The first option, developed jointly by the Army and Boeing, involves a slight change in the design and on-board systems of the helicopter. In addition, the carrying capacity of the machine can be increased from 12 to 13 tons. To do this, it will not be necessary to make changes either to the design of the propellers or to the power plants of the helicopter.

The US Army is leaning towards the second option, which provides for an increase in payload capacity by 30 percent - the maximum takeoff weight of the upgraded Chinook will be 29.5 tons versus the current 22.7 tons. To do this, it will be necessary to revise the design of the propellers, as well as install new engines with a shaft power of 7500 horsepower on the helicopter. The CH-47 is currently powered by Honeywell T55-GA-712 turboshaft engines with 4868 shaft horsepower.

The third option is offered by Boeing. As part of this upgrade option, the width of the hull can be increased. In addition, it is planned to revise the design of propellers and install more powerful engines. Thanks to this, the maximum takeoff weight of the helicopter will increase by 50 percent to 34 tons. True, in this case, one of the requirements for a transport helicopter will be violated - the CH-47 must be placed in the cargo compartment of the C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft.

Boeing has proposed a slightly modified version of the CH-47 upgrade to the German Ministry of Defense. Together with the European company Eurocopter, Boeing plans to sell Chinook transport helicopters with a wider body and a payload of 33 tons to the German military department. Currently, the French Ministry of Defense is also looking for a new heavy transport helicopter.

The CH-47 Chinook is capable of reaching speeds of up to 315 kilometers per hour and flying up to 741 kilometers. The helicopter is designed to carry 55 paratroopers or 24 pairs of stretchers with the wounded and three doctors, or ten tons of cargo (the CH-47F/G has 12 tons).

During the service, British Chinook helicopters went through many military conflicts. These machines were widely used as part of the British contingent in Germany. In 1982, the Chinook HC.Mk 1 received its baptism of fire, providing for the operations of the British Expeditionary Force during the conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Three of them died on board the Atlantic Conveyor container ship hit by the Argentine Exocet anti-ship missile. During Operation Desert Storm, in addition to transport missions, helicopters were used to support the operations of the Special Operations Forces. To do this, several vehicles received an experimental "night camouflage", a satellite communications system and airborne weapons. After the end of hostilities, the Chinook became involved in providing humanitarian assistance to the Kurdish tribes. During the conflict in Bosnia, six modernized HC.Mk 2s, which received an armored shield and airborne defense systems, provided the operations of the 27th airmobile brigade. Two helicopters of the 7th squadron of the British Air Force flew in Serbian Krajina under the flag of the UN, and in June 1999 eight aircraft took part in the operation of NATO troops in Kosovo. Since 2003, the main combat mission for British transport helicopters has been to ensure the actions of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are still used today.

The commander's seat is located on the starboard side, the co-pilot is on the left side. In the aisle is the folding seat of the third crew member. Like all helicopters of the British Air Force and Army Aviation, the Chinook HC.Mkl is equipped with the Decca navigation system. The cockpits of some Air Force helicopters were adapted for the actions of the crew in night vision goggles. One of them - with the onboard designation BN (Bravo November) - during the Falklands conflict escaped death on board the Atlantic Conveyor container ship converted into air transport and until the end of the war carried out transportation in the interests of the British troops.

The first Chinook HC.Mkl helicopters that entered service with the British Air Force were equipped with metal rotor blades and Textron Lycoming T55-L-11E turboshaft engines. During the modernization, the helicopters were equipped with T55-L-712 engines, with a power of 3750 l.e., designed to modify the CH-47D (HC.Mk 2) and a new fire extinguishing system. The blades of the propellers were replaced with carbon-plastic ones with a titanium leading edge, with a chord increased to 64 cm (by 12.5 cm) and a resource increased to 3000 hours, which made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of operating the machines .

The helicopter is equipped with a non-retractable four-wheel undercarriage. All racks are equipped with oil-pneumatic damping. Tire pressure is about 6 atm. The twin wheels of the front struts are equipped with single-disc hydraulic brakes. If necessary, it is possible to install removable skis.

Winch

On the starboard side of the helicopter above the door of the cargo compartment, a winch with a hydraulic drive can be installed. The rotors throw down a powerful stream of air, and hovering is usually done at a fairly high altitude. Over the sea, this operation is rarely practiced to prevent corrosion of the machine.

Refueling points

Helicopter refueling can be carried out both through the filler necks of individual tanks, and through the centralized refueling unit located on the starboard side. This design of the fuel system allows you to perform both general and selective refueling of the tanks of the machine.

The helicopter is equipped with three cargo locks, which significantly increases its ability to transport cargo. The middle lock is the main one and is designed for a load of 11,300 kg, which allows even the FH-70 howitzer to be transported on an external sling. Front and rear locks, designed for a maximum load of about 9000 kg each, can be used either separately or together. In the latter case, the machine is capable of lifting a standard cargo container, or even another Chinook. Although if you remember in Afghanistan, the Russian Mi-26s have repeatedly evacuated the damaged and faulty helicopters Chinook :-)

Fuselage

All-metal, semi-monocoque design, with a rectangular section with rounded corners; has a two-seat crew cabin, on each side of which there are resettable emergency doors, and a cargo cabin with a volume of 41.7m3, in which 44 seats (33 main and 11 additional, along the central aisle) are installed, the rear part with a cargo hatch, the hinged sash of which forms a loading ramp , equipped with three folding sections, and compartments of the rotor pylons. The cargo cabin with dimensions of 9.19 x 2.29 x 1.98m and a floor area of ​​21m2 has a large sliding door on the right side with a size of 1.68 x 0.9m and additionally emergency escape hatches. The cargo compartment and the cockpit are connected by a passage. In the sanitary variant, 24 wounded on stretchers and 2 accompanying medics can be accommodated in the cabin; in the passenger variant, seats are installed for 44 passengers, 4 in a row with the central aisle. For the transportation of cargo on an external sling, under the fuselage there is a central cargo hook, designed for a force of 11970kg, and front and rear cargo hooks for 7140kg each.

rotors

Three-blade, with hinged blades, rotating in opposite directions. The blades are rectangular in plan with an area of ​​7.43 m2 each and a chord of 0.81 m. The D-shaped blade spar is made of epoxy-based fiberglass, with a forging of the toe of titanium and nickel alloys, the tail compartments are also made of fiberglass with nomex filler. Counterweights are installed in the tip of the blade, replaceable tungsten counterweights are also installed in the spar - to adjust the taper. The blades have an improved aerodynamic profile VR-7 (and on the front part, where the flow velocity is achieved, corresponding to the number M = 0.85 - profile VR-8) and linear twist -12. Installation of an anti-icing system on the blades is provided. The peripheral speed of the ends of the blades is 215m/s.

electrical system consists of two self-contained circuits powered by two air-cooled alternators (40 kVA) driven by a central gearbox.

Radio electronic equipment standard, includes VHF radio station ARS-164 decimeter range with AM; SPU S-6533; identification system "friend or foe" Bendix АРХ-100, omnidirectional VHF beacon ARM-123, radio altimeter ARN-209, radio compass ARN-89B; standard flight instruments include the AQV-6A horizontal position indicator.

Hydraulic system modular design ensures the operation of the hydraulic boosters of the control system, the braking system of the landing gear and the main rotor. The pressure in the hydraulic control system is 20MPa, the mixture flow rate is 53L/min, and there is a 5.32L spherical tank with a pressure of 0.17MPa. In the general purpose hydraulic system, the pressure is 23MPa, the mixture flow rate is 51.5L/min, and there is a piston hydraulic reservoir with a volume of about 7L and a pressure of 0.39MPa.

Control system booster, improved, by the company "Hanuell", ensuring the maintenance of the position and speed of the helicopter, as well as the choice and maintenance of the course and altitude of the flight; includes hydraulic boosters and a stabilization system.

Military modifications

• CH-47A: basic transport helicopter.
• ACH-47A
• CH-47V
• CH-47S: modification with new engines.
• CH-47D
• NS.Mk.1 and Mk.1B: variants for the RAF.
• S/MN-47E: multi-purpose variant with increased range and in-flight refueling, armament and new equipment.
• CH-47F
• MH-47G
• CH-47J: Variant for the Japanese Armed Forces.
• HH-47
• MH-47D

Civil modifications

• Model 234LR (Long Range)
• Model 234ER (Extended Range)
• Model MLR (Multi Purpose Long Range)
• Model 234UT (Utility Transport)
• Model

Specifications

Crew: 2-3 people (2 pilots, flight engineer or operation commander)

Passenger capacity: 33-55 soldiers or 24 bedridden patients with 2 attendants

Length: 30.14 m

Fuselage length: 15.87 m (excluding refueling boom)

Main rotor diameter: 18.29 m (each)

Height: 5.59 m

Rotor swept area: 525.3 m²

Chassis base: 7.87 m

Empty weight: 12210 kg

Normal takeoff weight: 22680 kg

Maximum takeoff weight: 24494 kg

Payload weight: 12284 kg

Mass of fuel in internal tanks: 6815 kg

Volume of fuel tanks: 7828 l (+3 × 3028 l additional tanks in the cargo compartment)

Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell T55-L-714 turboshafts

Engine power: 2 × 4168 hp (2 × 3108 kW)

Cargo cabin dimensions

Length: 9.19 m

Width: 2.51 m

Height: 1.98 m

Floor area: 21.0 m²

Usable volume: 41.7 m³

Flight characteristics

Max speed: 285 km/h

Cruise speed: 259 km/h

Combat radius: 935 km

Ferry range: 2333 km

Practical ceiling: 3090 m

Static ceiling:

ground effect: 1675 m

without ground effect: 2985 m

Rate of climb: 9.35 m/s

Thrust-to-weight ratio: 229.4 W / kg (per transmission at maximum takeoff weight)

Armament

Small arms and cannon: 3 × 7.62 mm machine guns (2 in the doors and 1 on the ramp)

October 15, 2009 A Chinook shot down near Kandahar was evacuated on an external sling by a Mi-26 helicopter owned by Vertical-T

NATO helicopter crash August 6, 2011: On August 6, 2011, in Afghanistan, during an operation against militants in the province of Wardak, southwest of Kabul, a transport helicopter was shot down by a rocket (according to other information, a grenade launcher). 38 people, including 30 US military personnel, Afghan special forces soldiers, military air traffic controllers, a civilian translator and a dog handler with a dog, became victims of the crash of an international forces helicopter.

It is said that this is the largest single loss of American troops during the Afghan war. US President Barack Obama at the Dover military base personally took part in the farewell ceremony for thirty American servicemen who were on board the helicopter.

Helicopters received their development only in the second half of the 20th century. They were practically not used in World War II. However, in combat vehicles they showed themselves from the very better side. be the first to develop such military equipment Americans became, and at first they didn’t even have competitors. Currently, aircraft are used for reconnaissance purposes, for adjusting fire, for evacuating the wounded, for disembarking soldiers, etc. And in this review, some American military helicopters should be highlighted.

Fighting vehicle with enhanced armor protection

The design of the AN-1 was designed according to a single-rotor scheme. Almost all combat vehicles of this type have a two-blade main and tail rotor. An exception is the AN-1W model. It should also be noted that they have a non-retractable ski-type landing gear in their design. This series is characterized by a narrow fuselage. The cockpit can accommodate two crew members. They will sit next to each other. American military helicopters of this series are characterized by enhanced armor protection, as well as a duplicated control system. There is no cargo hold. For a significant increase in speed with maneuverability, the designers installed a relatively small mid-wing.

Armament and the main differences between these models

American military helicopters of this series are equipped with a turret gun mount, which is located in the forward fuselage. There are also four pylons under the wing, which can be equipped with removable weapons. In order to reduce the likelihood of hitting missiles with an IR homing head, the designers equipped the car with an engine exhaust cooling system. Reinforced blades can withstand 23mm rounds.

What is the difference between the AN-1 series and other models? They consist in various power plants, weapons and on-board equipment. Fighting vehicles of this series are capable of hovering at an altitude of 915 meters with a full supply of fuel, as well as with a ton of weapons at a temperature of 35 degrees.

Transport military helicopter

The American military helicopter "Chinook" (CH-47) first took to the air in 1961. A year later it was renamed CH-47A. At the very beginning, it was equipped with two engines, the power of which reached 1641 kW. Subsequently, it was decided to replace them with more powerful units. The all-metal fuselage is characterized by a rectangular section and rounded corners. Fairings can be found on each side of the lower fuselage. They hide the fuel tanks, three each. The amphibious American military helicopter, whose name is Chinook, can accommodate 44 paratroopers. There are knots with the possibility of fixing a stretcher for the wounded in the amount of 24 pieces. Due to the tilted sash, characteristic of the cargo hatch, it is possible to form a loading ramp.

The blades are fastened using hinges. In order to reduce abrasive wear, it was decided to cover the tip of the blade with titanium and nickel alloys.

The famous Apache helicopter

The American military helicopter "Apache" (AN-64) was developed in order to provide soldiers with fire support. It is also necessary for the destruction of armored objects. The combat vehicle can make sorties regardless of the time of day, visibility conditions and weather conditions. In order to reduce the likelihood of missiles with IR homing heads hitting the car, the exhaust of the power unit is produced through a device that disperses the jet, while reducing its temperature. The American military helicopter, whose name is "Apache", is equipped with a Hellfire ATGM, which is characterized by the presence of laser guidance. On the turret, located under the fuselage, there is a 30 mm cannon.

The blades of the carrier wine are characterized by a rectangular shape and an arrow-shaped tip. Due to this, it was possible to reduce the effect of compressibility when reaching high flight speeds. The blades are fastened by systems of elastic torsion plates. They are able to maintain their performance in the event of hit by bullets, the caliber of which reaches 15.7 mm. What other American military helicopters should be highlighted?

Reconnaissance combat helicopter

The Comanche helicopter (RAH-66) is a modern twin-engine reconnaissance combat vehicle. It is also capable of supporting ground forces with fire. The fuselage, which has a US military helicopter with two propellers, is characterized by a low effective reflection area. The combat vehicle has removable weapon pylons, electronic system flight controls and an ergonomic cockpit. The helicopter is equipped with a five-blade main rotor. The tail screw is in the ring. Combat models of this series have IR sensors and telescopic television cameras. They provide the ability to make night flights, as well as to identify targets with high accuracy. The armament of the helicopter is the Hellfire ATGM with laser guidance. There is also an air-to-air Stinger missile, flares and a 20 mm cannon.

Twin-rotor military helicopter

An American military helicopter with two propellers, whose name is Kiowa Warrior, began to be designed back in 1984. Some models were subsequently modified into light vehicles. special purpose. With their help, the wounded, soldiers and cargo were transported, which were secured by using an external suspension. The design has a four-blade main and two-blade tail rotor. Through the use of a new carrier system, it was possible to increase the time spent in flight up to 2.5 hours. At the same time, the helicopter is able to move not only in a straight line, but also sideways and backwards. It can also hover in the air with a wind speed of 65 km / h.

The helicopter is equipped with protection against bullets, the caliber of which is 7.62 mm. Due to the weakening of the thermal radiation of the motor and the use of an active IR interference station, it was possible to reduce the likelihood of hitting missiles with an IR head. The crew with fuel tanks are protected by armor plates. They can withstand 30mm projectiles. To prevent damage to the rotor blades, they were equipped with a cutting knife. A helicopter of this series can transmit data on targets to a ground point through the use of special systems. This procedure takes about 6 seconds.

Hugh transport helicopters

What is the name of the American military helicopter, most of whose modifications can be transported on C-124 type aircraft? We are talking about combat vehicles UH-1 Huey. During the period of their improvement, the designers have improved some of its parameters. The number of seats for passengers was increased, the flight distance was almost 3 times. But the weight of the combat vehicle at the same time became much larger. At first, single-engine models of this series rose into the air, but then it was decided to produce twin-engine ones. Many modifications of this particular series can be transported using C-124 type transport aircraft. Armament is removable. There are special attachment points for it: five built-in and two hinged. On all these nodes, without exception, you can install machine guns with grenade launchers.

Conclusion

In this review, some American helicopters used in reconnaissance and combat operations were considered. In fact, there are a lot of them, and there is not enough time to describe all the models. We have considered only the most famous and popular series. We hope that this article will help to understand what are designed in the United States.