American military helicopters. Names, descriptions and characteristics

Their development of helicopters received only in the second half of the 20th century. They were practically not used in the Second World War. However, in the Korean conflict, combat vehicles proved themselves on the best side. The Americans were the first to develop such military equipment, and at first they did not even have competitors. At present, flying equipment is used for reconnaissance purposes, in adjusting fire, for evacuating the wounded, for disembarking soldiers, etc. And in this review, we should highlight some US military helicopters.

Combat vehicle with reinforced armor protection

The design of the helicopter model AN-1 was designed by a single-screw scheme. Virtually all combat vehicles of this type have a two-bladed carrier and a steering screw. An exception is the AN-1W model. Also it should be noted that they have in their design a non-retractable ski-type chassis. This series is characterized by a narrow fuselage. In the cockpit for pilots can fit 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. No cargo hold. Designers for a significant increase in speed with maneuverability established a mid-wing wing of a relatively small size.

Armament and the main differences of these models

American military helicopters of this series are equipped with a turret gun installation, which is located in the forward part of the fuselage. There are also pylons in the number of four pieces under the wing, on which it is possible to install removable weapons. In order to reduce the probability of missiles with an IR homing head, the designers equipped the car with a system for cooling the exhaust gases of the motors. Reinforced blades can withstand the impact of projectiles of 23 mm caliber.

What are the differences of the AN-1 series from other models? They consist in various power plants, in armament and in onboard equipment. The combat vehicles of this series are able to hang at an altitude of 915 meters with a full fuel reserve, as well as with a ton of weapons at a temperature of 35 degrees.

Transport military helicopter

The American military helicopter Chinook (SN-47) first took off in 1961. A year later it was renamed into SN-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. On each side of the lower part of the fuselage, it is possible to detect fairings. They hide fuel tanks, three each. The amphibious American military helicopter, whose name is "Chinook", can accommodate 44 paratroopers. There are units with the possibility of securing a stretcher for the wounded in the amount of 24 pieces. Due to the flap open, characteristic for the cargo hatch, it is possible to form a loading ramp.

Mounting the blades is done through the use of hinges. In order to reduce abrasive wear, the tip of the blade was decided to cover with titanium and nickel alloys.

The famous Apache helicopter

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

For the blades of the supporting wine, a rectangular shape and an arrow-shaped tip are characteristic. Due to this, it was possible to reduce the effect of compressibility when high flight speeds were achieved. The blades are supported by elastic torsion plate systems. They are able to maintain their performance in the event of hit bullets, whose caliber is up to 15.7 mm. What other American military helicopters should I single out?

Reconnaissance combat helicopter

The Comanche (RAH-66) helicopter is a modern twin-engine reconnaissance combat vehicle. He is also capable of supporting ground forces with fire. The fuselage, which has an American military helicopter with two screws, is characterized by a low effective area of reflection. The combat vehicle has removable weapon pylons, an electronic flight control system and an ergonomic cockpit. The helicopter is equipped with a five-blade rotor. The steering screw is in the ring. Combat models of this series have IR-sensors and telescopic television cameras. They provide the opportunity to make night flights, as well as identify targets with high accuracy. Armament of the helicopter - Hellmyer ATGM with laser guidance. Also there is the SD "Stinger" class "Air-to-Air", rockets of signal character and 20 mm cannon.

Two-screw military helicopter

The American military helicopter with two screws, the name of which Kiowa Warrior, began to be designed in 1984. Some models subsequently modified light vehicles for special purposes. With their help, the transportation of wounded soldiers and cargoes was carried out, which was strengthened by the use of external suspension. The design has a four-blade bearing and a two-bladed steering screw. Due to the use of a new carrier system, it was possible to increase the time spent in flight to 2.5 hours. In this case, the helicopter is able to move not only along a straight line, but also sideways, and backwards. It can also hang in the air at a wind speed of 65 km / h.

The helicopter is equipped with bulletproofing, the caliber of which is 7.62 mm. Due to the weakening of the thermal radiation of the motor and the use of the station of active IR jamming, it was possible to reduce the probability of missiles with an IR head. The crew with fuel tanks are protected by armored cars. They can withstand the impact of 30 mm shells. To rotor blades were not damaged, they were equipped with a knife for cutting. A helicopter of this series can transmit target data to a ground station using special systems. This procedure lasts about 6 seconds.

Transport helicopters "Hugh"

What is the name of the American military helicopter, the majority of which can be transported on C-124 type aircraft? It's about the UH-1 Huey combat vehicles. For the period of its perfection, 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 became much larger. First, single-engine models of this series were raised into the air, but then it was decided to produce twin-engine models. Many modifications of this series can be transported by means of C-124 transport aircraft. Arming is removable. For him there are special fixing points: five built-in and two hinged. At all these sites, without exception, you can install machine guns with grenade launchers.

Conclusion

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