Helicopters are among the world’s most adaptable and versatile warfare systems. Different types of Military Helicopters are essential in both war and peace.
In addition, the military helicopter proved indispensable during World War 2 military operations after its development in the 1930s.
Furthermore, the helicopter gave the military unrivaled flexibility, with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and the ability to hover and fly in all four directions thanks to its rotors.
Furthermore, Advanced military helicopters are classified into various categories. Each kind is tailored to handle a specific subset of functions across various military operations.
We hear phrases like “Black Hawk” and “Chinook” helicopters in the news and popular culture.
Each of these one-of-a-kind helicopters is classified according to its primary mission and given a military designation.
Additionally, The Mission-Design-Series (MDS) designation system is used to identify military aerospace vehicles in the United States.
Furthermore, the vehicle type symbol for a helicopter is “H.” A second sign, such as “A” for ground attack, exists for the fundamental mission type.
As aviation aficionados, we’ll examine the seven main categories of military helicopters and highlight some of the most well-known ones.
1. Maritime Helicopter
Maritime helicopters are used to fight submarines and transport weapons supporting a navy.
They take off from naval ships. There is one type of military helicopter. Military helicopters have modern radar, sonar, and magnetic anomaly detectors and can fire torpedoes into the ocean to attack submarines.
In addition to their regular duties, they can participate in search and rescue activities and observe the surrounding region.
The turboshaft engine was a significant advancement for maritime helicopters.
Smaller helicopters could be launched from smaller ships, shortening their time to respond to approaching enemy submarines.
The SH-60 is the US Navy’s primary aircraft, the Seahawks, used for various missions.
They have folding rotors and tails because they land on ships, so they don’t take up as much space on the ship’s surface.
2. Transport Helicopter
Transport helicopters are one of the largest helicopters used to transport heavy cargo, such as light vehicles, large troops, and freight, into combat settings.
Transport helicopters have reasonably high-speed capability despite their size and load.
In addition, though cargo planes can perform the same functions as transport helicopters, it is preferable to land and take off vertically without using a runway. Speed is crucial in wartime operations.
In addition, transport helicopters carry specialized equipment such as rescue hoists and rope lines for dropping off and picking up personnel in challenging terrain.
Additionally, The Chinook is arguably the most well-known cargo helicopter.
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine helicopter with tandem rotors that are easily recognizable.
The Chinook is a heavy-lifting Western helicopter that serves as the United States Army’s primary supply and troop transport helicopter.
Meanwhile, The Chinook was initially deployed in Vietnam in 1962, after Boeing began development in 1956.
The Chinook has been updated several times since the Vietnam War and is not slated to be retired until 2060 when it will become the Army’s first 100-year longevity aircraft.
3. Search and Rescue
search and rescue helicopters can fly in any weather or terrain and must be rugged and agile. They are one of the important types of Military helicopters.
Since they are deployed on missions, they have advanced electronic systems (avionics) and radar, which makes reaching the target challenging.
Furthermore, this aids their navigation and enables them to locate specific soldiers.
Certain search and rescue helicopters have defenses, such as depth charges and torpedoes, that pilots can utilize when flying over ocean waters.
In addition, the Coast Guard uses MH-65 Dolphins, distinguished by their brilliant orange hue, for its search and rescue missions.
Another well-known search and rescue helicopter is the AW101, utilized in European and Canadian operations and has a radar that can scan 360 degrees.
And also pick up objects/people from a great distance.
4. Utility Helicopter
Utility helicopters are extremely adaptable aircraft that thrive in a variety of situations. These types of Military helicopters can be used for various missions.
These include reconnaissance, attack, transport, and evacuation. However, the Black Hawk is the most famous utility helicopter.
Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter is a medium-lift, twin-engine, four-bladed helicopter.
The Black Hawk is a tactical transport helicopter and air assault aircraft used by the United States Army.
The Black Hawk’s landing gear is a dragging tail wheel configuration. This military helicopter can fly in any weather.
The Black Hawk can be equipped with landing skis for frigid conditions. Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk design also won the 1976 United States Army Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition.
The Black Hawk was initially fielded by the Army in 1978. Approximately 2,000 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter versions are currently in use by the United States military.
5. Observation Helicopter
The primary mission of this aircraft is surveillance and intelligence gathering.
There are also types of Military Observation helicopters that may also be used to provide the images required for airstrikes, missiles, or bombs to point precisely at a target.
To fulfill these functions, they have sensor equipment like infrared cameras, lasers, and low-light sensors and communication devices to convey what they view.
Although not designed to attack, observation helicopters can be equipped with guns, missiles, and rockets.
Which are used to destroy hostile surveillance equipment. Additionally, many observation helicopters are small to maximize their stealth.
They are easily moved, can relocate to new areas quickly, and are ready to fly quickly.
The OH-58 Kiowa and the Little Bird are notable helicopters of this type. The Kiowa can operate day and night thanks to its sensors and navigation systems.
The Little Bird is also available in an unmanned version (AH-6 series) with control units, navigation systems, sensors, and night vision in the cockpit.
This model is based on the manned MH-6 Little Bird, which the military uses to transport special operations commandos to more restricted landing zones.
6. Multi-Role Helicopter
Multi-role helicopters are versatile and may be used for various missions across all military departments.
Military multi-role helicopters are a type of military helicopter. These helicopters are used in harsh situations and rough terrain during rescue, medivac, and recovery missions.
Additionally, The Apache is a multi-role helicopter with two easily identifiable rotors.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a multi-mission, twin-engine heavy, category attack helicopter with two four-bladed rotors (one primary and one tail).
The Army uses the Apache for precise strike and armed reconnaissance missions in all weather conditions, day and night.
However, advanced navigation, avionics, onboard sensor suites, and system redundancy enhance the Apache’s survivability and lethality in combat.
Furthermore, The US Army’s Apache helicopter has logged over 3.9 million flight hours since its inception in 1984.
The aircraft features a nose-mounted sensor suite for night-vision systems and target acquisition, four hardpoints with a mix of.
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 Chain Gun.
7. Attack Helicopter
The primary function of attack helicopters, sometimes known as helicopter gunships, is to fire on the adversary. They are types of Military helicopters.
Attack helicopters can reach high speeds and are well-armed with weaponry such as machine guns, missiles, and auto-cannons to accomplish this goal.
However, the attack helicopter armory is equipped with modern radar to recognize enemy targets and guide rounds, allowing it to destroy opponent-armed tanks and vehicles effectively.
The attack helicopter is a type of helicopter that provides air support to ground forces and other aircraft.
The Marine Corps’ primary assault helicopter is the AH-1W Super Cobra, a Bell Helicopter attack helicopter based on the Huey design.
Furthermore, the Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify for sidearm anti-radiation, sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and Hellfire missiles.
Conclusively, the different types of Helicopters, like any other vehicle, come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a unique purpose.
Different categories exist within the military based on the tasks a helicopter must perform, the environment it must survive in, and the equipment it carries.
