Often referred to as the “Helicopter War”, the Vietnam War revolutionized aerial combat and the use of military helicopters. Previously, helicopters were used only for reconnaissance, transport, and medical evacuation. However, in Vietnam helicopters became essential for navigating the country’s treacherous terrain. Rather than confining armies to linear battlefronts, helicopters allowed soldiers to be deployed deep in enemy territory to launch surprise attacks. (These are the 25 helicopters of the Vietnam War.)
Two of the most iconic helicopters from the Vietnam War were the Bell AH-1 Cobra and the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse. The Cobra was a heavily armed attack helicopter that used firepower to clear the way for landing zones and transport. It also provided close gun support to ground troops in need. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was a scout helicopter that flew close to the jungle canopy in search of enemy activities. Heavily armed, the helicopter flew so low to the ground that pilots could see footprints in the dirt.
Like their name, helicopter gunships emerged as incredible multitaskers, serving as a balance between a dedicated attack helicopter and an armed transport. They could transport troops, equipment, and even vehicles, all while offering heavy firepower.
To identify the gunship helicopters of the modern era, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a catalog of military helicopters from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft used by militaries worldwide. We ordered these helicopters chronologically. We also included supplemental information from Military Factory regarding the type of helicopter, year introduced, country of origin, manufacturer, top speed, and armament.
Why We’re Writing About Gunship Helicopters
Source: travelarium.ph / Shutterstock.com
There is much that we can learn from an in-depth look at gunship helicopters since WWII. Gunships are complex and extremely powerful machines with incredible weaponry, aerodynamics, and piloting techniques. Countries around the world spend billions of dollars on national defense, which often includes gunship helicopters. The innovation, purchasing, and use of gunship helicopters affect a nation’s economy and often reflect its global position.
Here is a look at the gunship helicopters of the modern era:
H-19 Chickasaw
The H-19 Chickasaw is a multirole transport utility helicopter first introduced in 1950. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 101 mph and is armed with 7.62mm medium machine guns, 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and rocket pods.
Mil Mi-4 (Hound)
The Mil Mi-4 (Hound) is a multirole transport utility helicopter first introduced in 1953. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the Soviet Union, it can reach a top speed of 115 mph and is armed with rocket pods and conventional drop bombs.
H-21 Workhorse
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The H-21 Workhorse is a tandem-rotor transport helicopter first introduced in 1953. Manufactured by Piasecki Helicopter / Boeing in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 127 mph and is armed with 12.7mm machine guns and 7.62mm machine guns.
H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw is a close-support/transport helicopter first introduced in 1954. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 173 mph and is armed with 7.62mm M60C general purpose machine guns and rocket pods.
Alouette II
The Alouette II is a light utility helicopter first introduced in 1957. Manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, it can reach a top speed of 115 mph and is armed with anti-tank guided missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
UH-1 Iroquois (Huey)
Source: cak757 / Flickr
The UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) is a multirole/utility/attack/transport helicopter first introduced in 1959. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 137 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns, Mk 44/46 torpedoes, rocket pods, various air-to-surface missiles, various anti-tank missiles, automatic cannons, and 12.7mm GAU miniguns.
Alouette III
The Alouette III is a light multirole helicopter first introduced in 1960. Manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, it can reach a top speed of 130 mph and is armed with a 20mm cannon, 7.62mm machine gun, AS.11 anti-tank missiles, and Mk 44 torpedoes.
SH-3 Sea King
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The SH-3 Sea King is an anti-submarine warfare helicopter first introduced in 1961. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 166 mph and is armed with Mk 44 / 46 torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, depth charges, and 7.62mm machine guns.
UH-1B/C Huey Cobra / Frog
The UH-1B/C Huey Cobra / Frog is a gunship helicopter first introduced in 1962. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 95 mph and is armed with .30 caliber machine guns, miniguns, rocket pods, and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Model 207 (Sioux Scout)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Model 207 (Sioux Scout) is a light-armed scout helicopter first introduced in 1963. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 109 mph and is armed with .7.62mm M60 machine guns, SS 10 anti-tank guided missiles, and rocket pods.
Z-5
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Z-5 is a transport/utility helicopter first introduced in 1965. Manufactured by Harbin in China, it can reach a top speed of 130 mph and is armed with machine guns, rocket pods, and machine gun pods.
Mil Mi-2 (Hoplite)
The Mil Mi-2 (Hoplite) is a light utility helicopter first introduced in 1965. Manufactured by Mil Helicopter Plant in the Soviet Union, it can reach a top speed of 124 mph and is armed with 23mm automatic cannons, rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles, and air-to-air missiles.
Mil Mi-8 (Hip)
![Mil Mi-8 Hip [unmarked] by Alan Wilson](https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/imageForEntry13-aNO.jpg "Mil Mi-8 Hip [unmarked] by Alan Wilson")
The Mil Mi-8 (Hip) is a multirole medium-lift helicopter first introduced in 1967. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant / Russian Helicopters in the Soviet Union, it can reach a top speed of 162 mph and is armed with rocket pods, Swatter missiles, Sagger missiles, Phalanga missiles, a 12.7mm machine gun, and cannon pods.
Model 212
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Model 212 is a medium-lift utility/transport helicopter first introduced in 1968. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 140 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns and rocket pods.
SA 330 Puma
The SA 330 Puma is a medium transport/assault helicopter first introduced in 1969. Manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, it can reach a top speed of 170 mph and is armed with machine gun pods and cannon pods.
Bo 105 (MBB)
The Bo 105 (MBB) is a light utility helicopter first introduced in 1970. Manufactured by Airbus Helicopters in Germany, it can reach a top speed of 152 mph and is armed with HOT / HOT2 anti-tank missiles and TOW anti-tank missiles.
SA342 Gazelle
Source: VanderWolf-Images / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The SA342 Gazelle is a lightweight multirole helicopter first introduced in 1973. Manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, it can reach a top speed of 165 mph and is armed with HOT anti-tank missiles, Mastra Mistal missiles, rocket pods, 7.62mm machine guns, and a 20mm GIAT autocannon.
Mil Mi-24 (Hind)
Source: VanderWolf-Images / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The Mil Mi-24 (Hind) is an armed assault gunship/attack helicopter first introduced in 1973. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the Soviet Union, it can reach a top speed of 208 mph and is armed with 12.7mm machine guns, 23mm/30mm cannons, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket pods, machine gun pods, cannon pods, and conventional drop bombs.
AW109
The AW109 is a multirole utility helicopter first introduced in 1976. Manufactured by Leonardo in Italy, it can reach a top speed of 177 mph and is armed with 12.7mm machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, TOW anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, and machine gun pods.
S-76
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The S-76 is a medium-lift multirole helicopter first introduced in 1977. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 180 mph and is armed with machine gun pods, rocket pods, and cannon pods.
AW159 (Lynx / Super Lynx)
The AW159 (Lynx / Super Lynx) is a multirole helicopter first introduced in 1978. Manufactured by Leonardo-Finmeccanica in the United Kingdom, it can reach a top speed of 158 mph and is armed with TOW anti-tank guided missiles, rocket pods, 20mm automatic cannon, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and 7.62mm general purpose machine guns.
UH-60 Black Hawk
The UH-60 Black Hawk is a medium-lift multirole helicopter first introduced in 1979. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 183 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns, Hellfire missiles, GAU-19 12.7mm Gatling guns, M134D Gatling guns, and FFAR rocket pods.
Mil Mi-17 (Hip-H)
The Mil Mi-17 (Hip-H) is a medium-lift transport/gunship helicopter first introduced in 1981. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant / Russian Helicopters in the Soviet Union, it can reach a top speed of 158 mph and is armed with 23mm cannon pods, 7.62mm machine gun pods, rocket pods, and Shturm-V missiles.
AS532 (Super Puma / Cougar)
Source: VanderWolf-Images / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The AS532 (Super Puma / Cougar) is a medium-lift multirole helicopter first introduced in 1982. Manufactured by Aerospatiale / Airbus Helicopters in France, it can reach a top speed of 170 mph and is armed with 7.62mm gun pods, rocket pods, AM 39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
AS565 Panther
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The AS565 Panther is a multirole helicopter first introduced in 1985. Manufactured by Aerospatiale in France, it can reach a top speed of 190 mph and is armed with GIAT M621 20mm automatic cannon, rocket pods, AS 15 anti-ship missiles, HOT anti-tank missiles, 20mm cabin-mounted cannons, and Mk 46 torpedoes.
PZL W-3 Sokol
The PZL W-3 Sokol is a multirole helicopter first introduced in 1985. Manufactured by PZL-Swidnik in Poland, it can reach a top speed of 162 mph and is armed with 23mm autocannon, rocket pods, missiles, cannon pods, and 12.7mm machine guns.
H125 Fennec (AS550)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The H125 Fennec (AS550) is a light utility helicopter first introduced in 1990. Manufactured by Aerospatiale / Airbus Helicopters in France, it can reach a top speed of 152 mph and is armed with a 20mm GIAT M621 automatic cannon, 12.7mm machine gun pods, 7.62mm machine gun pods, rocket pods, and TOW anti-tank missiles.
MH-60L DAP
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The MH-60L DAP is a Special Forces gunship helicopter first introduced in 1990. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 103 mph and is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hydra rocket pods, GAU-19 gun pods, M134 minigun pods, Hellfire missiles, and Stinger missiles.
Z-9 (Haitun)
Source: viper-zero / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The Z-9 (Haitun) is a medium-lift transport/gunship helicopter first introduced in 1994. Manufactured by Harbin in China, it can reach a top speed of 190 mph and is armed with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, cannon pods, rocket pods, and machine gun pods.
CH-146 Griffon
The CH-146 Griffon is a multirole utility helicopter first introduced in 1995. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in Canada, it can reach a top speed of 162 mph and is armed with 7.62mm C6 machine guns and 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D miniguns.
Z-11
The Z-11 is a multirole light utility/attack helicopter first introduced in 1998. Manufactured by the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation in China, it can reach a top speed of 173 mph and is armed with a CS/LM12 minigun, 40mm automatic grenade launcher, machine gun pods, air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles, rocket pods, and conventional drop bombs.
AW101 Merlin (EH101)
The AW101 Merlin (EH101) is a medium-lift/multirole helicopter first introduced in 1999. Manufactured by Leonardo in Italy, it can reach a top speed of 192 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns, torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, rocket pods, and depth charges.
Dhruv (Polaris)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Dhruv (Polaris) is a multirole medium-lift transport helicopter first introduced in 2002. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited in India, it can reach a top speed of 174 mph and is armed with anti-tank guided missiles, rocket pods, torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-ship missiles.
Mil Mi-35 (Hind-E)
The Mil Mi-35 (Hind-E) is a heavy assault gunship/attack helicopter first introduced in 2005. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant / Russian Helicopters in Russia, it can reach a top speed of 193 mph and is armed with 23mm twin-barreled cannons, air-to-surface missiles, anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, and cannon pods.
UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey)
Source: viper-zero / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey) is a medium-lift utility/transport helicopter first introduced in 2009. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 190 mph and is armed with Hydra rocket pods, M240D general purpose machine guns, 12.7mm GAU-16/A Gatling guns, and 7.62mm GAU-17/A Gatling guns.
Mil AH-2 Sabre (Mi-35M)
The Mil AH-2 Sabre (Mi-35M) is an assault gunship helicopter first introduced in 2010. Manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant / Russian Helicopters in Brazil, it can reach a top speed of 193 mph and is armed with a 23mm twin-barreled gun, air-to-surface missiles, anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, cannon pods, and machine gun pods.
Rudra (ALH-WSI)
The Rudra (ALH-WSI) is a gunship / Multirole military helicopter first introduced in 2012. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited in India, it can reach a top speed of 180 mph and is armed with 20mm M621 cannon, Helina anti-tank missiles, MBDA air-to-air missiles, rocket pods, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
KUH-1 Surion
The KUH-1 Surion is a medium-lift multirole helicopter first introduced in 2013. Manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries in South Korea, it can reach a top speed of 162 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns, TOW anti-tank guided missiles, and rocket pods.
AW149
The AW149 is a medium-lift multirole helicopter first introduced in 2015. Manufactured by Leonardo-Finmeccanica in Italy, it can reach a top speed of 173 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns and rocket pods.
Z-20
The Z-20 is a multi-mission military helicopter first introduced in 2018. Manufactured by Harbin in China, it can reach a top speed of 171 mph and is armed with general purpose machine guns.
V-280 Valor
Source: williamhc / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The V-280 Valor is a tiltrotor technology demonstrator first introduced in 2020. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter in the United States, it can reach a top speed of 265 mph and is armed with 7.62mm machine guns, 12.7mm heavy machine guns, conventional drop bombs, rocket pods, and a 20mm cannon.
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)
Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.
Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.
Click here now to get started.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
