The Modern Cavalry: America's Apache Attack Helicopter Still Reigns Supreme Chris LangeOctober 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM 0 soldiersmediacenter / Flickr The AH64 Apache has been the U.S. Army's goto attack helicopter since entering service in 1986 (first flight in 1975).
- - The Modern Cavalry: America's Apache Attack Helicopter Still Reigns Supreme
Chris LangeOctober 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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soldiersmediacenter / Flickr
The AH-64 Apache has been the U.S. Army's go-to attack helicopter since entering service in 1986 (first flight in 1975). Across its A/D/E variants, the Apache has earned a stellar reputation and long combat record. Despite being roughly 40 years old, this attack helicopter can still dominate the battlefield and any mission the Army can throw at it.
What makes these helicopters especially popular and iconic is that they typically serve one role on any given military force and that is combat. The AH-64 is outfitted with a 30mm Hughes cannon standard in a traversing chin-mounted position. It can be equipped with a series of missiles including anti-tank hellfire missiles, air-to-air Sidewinder missiles, or Singer anti-air missiles. These helicopters can reach top speeds of 183 mph and have an operational range of 298 miles with a maximum ceiling of roughly 21,000 feet.
The U.S. Army employs more of these attack helicopters than any other country in the world and owes some of its dominance to these incredible machines. However, the Apache is not the only helicopter filling out the ranks of the U.S. Army. 24/7 Wall St. is exploring the Army's arsenal of helicopters and what it is currently fielding.
To identify every helicopter in the U.S. Army, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2025 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ordered these helicopters alphabetically. We also included supplemental data on the type of aircraft and top speed. We excluded trainer aircraft.
Here is a look at every U.S. Army helicopter currently in service:
Why Are We Covering This?
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
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
The National Guard / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr -
Type: Dedicated two-seat attack helicopter
Year introduced: 1986
Active aircraft: 824
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
mashleymorgan / Flickr -
Type: Light attack helicopter
Year introduced: 1980
Active aircraft: 47
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
Mgroessing / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons -
Type: Light utility helicopter
Year introduced: 1996
Active aircraft: 5
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
39955793@N07 / Flickr -
Type: Medium-lift, tandem rotor transport helicopter
Year introduced: 1962
Active aircraft: 510
Top speed: 180 mph
Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
The CH-47 Chinook is one of the most iconic aircraft in the U.S. Army, known for its distinctive tandem rotor design. Introduced in 1962 by Boeing, the Chinook has evolved into a highly capable medium-lift platform over the decades. Although these helicopters can only hit a top speed of 180 mph, the Army uses these extensively with over 500 of these helicopters actively serving and another 57 on order. The Chinook has been extensively used in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions worldwide.
H125 Fennec
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons -
Type: Light utility helicopter
Year introduced: 1990
Active aircraft: 1
Top speed: 152 mph
Armament: 20mm GIAT automatic cannon, 12.7mm machine gun pods, 7.62mm machine gun pods, FZ220 rocket pods, BMD-71 TOW missiles
Introduced in 1990, the H125 Fennec is a versatile light utility helicopter that can equip serious armament, if needed. Designed by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, the Fennec can hit a top speed of 152 mph. Despite its classification as a light utility helicopter, it can be armed with a wide array of weaponry. These helicopters can equip a 20mm GIAT automatic cannon, machine gun pods in 12.7mm and 7.62mm calibers, FZ220 rocket pods, and BMD-71 TOW missiles, making it well-suited for a range of missions from close air support to convoy escort. There is only one active helicopter currently in service.
Mi-8/17 Hip
neuwieser / Flickr -
Type: Medium-lift transport / gunship helicopter
Year introduced: 1977
Active aircraft: 10
Top speed: 158 mph
Armament: 23mm cannon pods, 7.62mm machine guns, rockets, anti-tank missiles
Even though the Mi-8/17 Hip comes from the Soviet Union, there are currently a few in service of the U.S. Army. The Mi-8/17 is a medium-lift helicopter that serves roles as both a transport and a gunship. These helicopters were originally designed at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in 1977. The Hip can hit a top speed of 158 mph and is equipped with a wide array of weapons including 23mm cannon pods, 7.62mm machine guns, rockets, and anti-tank missiles.
S-70 Black Hawk
fikretozk / iStock via Getty Images -
Type: Medium-lift multi-mission helicopter
Year introduced: 1979
Active aircraft: 2,276
Top speed: 183 mph
Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, Hellfire missiles, 12.7mm gatling guns, M134 gatling guns, rocket pods, 30mm chain gun
Black Hawk helicopters have been a global workhorse for not just the U.S. Armed forces. They were famously seen in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu where they performed under intense urban fire and helped evacuate casualties. This was later dramatized in the film Black Hawk Down. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic helicopters ever built, the UH-60 family serves across U.S. military branches with several thousand of these in service. Powered by twin turboshaft engines and sporting a four-bladed main rotor plus four-bladed tail rotor, the Black Hawk can exceed 180 mph, typically flies with two pilots and two crew chiefs, transports up to 11 fully equipped soldiers, and carries roughly a 9,000-pound payload.
UH-72 Lakota
2011 Getty Images / Getty Images News via Getty Images -
Type: Light utility helicopter
Year introduced: 2007
Active aircraft: 390
Top 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 used extensively by the Army with over 470 currently in active service. The Lakota typically serves in transport, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance roles. These helicopters were originally designed by Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters, and they have a top speed of 167 mph.
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