This Is Every Combat Helicopter Currently in Service of the US Army

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24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• The U.S. Army has more Apache and Black Hawk helicopters than any single other nation
• Apache helicopters are some of the most lethal in the world and can equip a wide range of weapons
• Other combat helicopters currently in service of the Army include the Little Bird and the Chinook
• Also: Discover the next Nvidia

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

24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the combat helicopters currently serving in the U.S. Army's fleet. To identify the combat helicopters flown by the U.S. Army, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. We ordered these aircraft alphabetically. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, and top speed. We have excluded all trainer aircraft.

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

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

Here is a look at the combat helicopters of the U.S. Army: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the aircraft used by the U.S. Army provides insight into joint military capabilities and defense strategies. Also knowing what the U.S. has in its arsenal further explains its military capabilities. This further gives context to the tactical flexibility and logistical reach the Army brings in its operations. Lastly, the composition and technological level of the aircraft fleet highlight the Army's ability of maintaining dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of these are key factors in its strategic defense planning.

AH-64 Apache

• Type: Two-seat attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1986
• Manufacturer: Boeing / McDonnell Douglas / Hughes
• Active aircraft: 824
• Aircraft on order: 15
• Top speed: 183 mph
• Armament: 30mm automatic cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rocket pods, Stinger missiles, Sidewinder missiles, Sidearm missiles

The AH-64 Apache is a mainstay of the U.S. Army, with over 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 outfitted for various assault missions. These come standard with a 30mm automatic cannon, and then can equip Hellfire missiles, and Hydra rocket pods, along with air-to-air ordnance like Stinger, Sidewinder, and Sidearm missiles.

AH/MH-6 Little Bird

• Type: Light attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1980
• Manufacturer: Hughes / McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
• Active aircraft: 47
• Aircraft on order: 74
• Top speed: 175 mph
• Armament: 30mm M230 chaingun, 12.7mm GAU-19 gatling guns, 7.62mm miniguns, M261 rocket pods, 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 McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. The Little Bird can hit speeds up to 175 mph. Although this helicopter is small, it packs a punch with its 30mm M230 chain guns, 12.7mm GAU-19 gatling guns, 7.62mm miniguns, and M261 rocket pods. It can also equip Hellfire missiles, TOW anti-tank missiles, and Stingers. Currently, the Army operates 47 Little Birds, with over 70 more units on order.

Bell 407

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1996
• Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter
• Active aircraft: 5
• Aircraft on order: 0
• Top 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 logistical and transport operations within the Army. These helicopters can hit a top speed of 162 mph and do not come with any standard armaments. Again, the Bell 407 usually plays various support roles.

CH-47 Chinook

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