The Helicopters Defining US Army Air Power Today, Including One Introduced in 1962

The U.S. Army is testing Rafael’s Spike NLOS long-range air-to-surface missile with its Boeing AH-64E Apache fleet. The recent test conducted on March 5, 2025, was successful and is one of the final steps required before the missile can be used in combat. According to a press statement from Tyler Partridge, Commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade in which he said, “operational Testing Spike NLOS munitions with the AH-64E V6 onboard systems helps us build readiness for real-world employment and ultimately provides more combat power and capability to the ground force.”

Since the Vietnam War, helicopters have played a vital role in the U.S. military. Today, advancements in helicopter technology continue to grow. However, there are some tried and true helicopters still in service today, such as the CH-47 Chinook, first introduced in 1962 and likely to stay in use through at least the 2030s.

To identify every helicopter in the U.S. Army, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 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.

(This article was updated on March 11, 2025, to reflect recent defense news regarding the testing of  Rafael’s Spike NLOS long-range air-to-surface missile with a Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter.)

Why Are We Covering This Now?

The U.S. is constantly updating resources and improving its defense technology. Understanding the current 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 highlights the Army’s ability to maintain dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of these are key factors in its strategic defense planning.

Here is a look at every U.S. Army helicopter currently in service:

AH-64 Apache

• Type: Two-seat attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1986
• Active aircraft: 824
• Top speed: 183 mph

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
• Active aircraft: 47
• Top speed: 175 mph

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
• Active aircraft: 5
• Top speed: 162 mph

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

• Type: Medium-lift, tandem rotor transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1962
• Active aircraft: 510
• Top speed: 180 mph

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

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1990
• Active aircraft: 1
• Top speed: 152 mph

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

• Type: Medium-lift transport / gunship helicopter
• Year introduced: 1977
• Active aircraft: 10
• Top speed: 158 mph

Although the Mi-8/17 Hip originates from the Soviet Union, there are currently 10 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.

Mil Mi-24 Hind

• Type: Attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1973
• Active aircraft: 1
• Top speed: 208 mph

The Mil Mi-24 Hind is another Soviet-era helicopter in service of the U.S. Army, but there is only one currently active. These are iconic attack helicopters that were introduced in 1973, designed at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. With a top speed of 208 mph, the Hind comes equipped with a wide range of weaponry including 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 23mm and 30mm cannons, anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, machine gun pods, cannon pods, and even conventional drop bombs.

S-70 Black Hawk

• Type: Medium-lift multi-mission helicopter
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 2,299
• Top speed: 183 mph

The Black Hawk helicopter is by far one of the most iconic helicopters ever built. It is the workhorse of the U.S. military with over a few thousand units currently in service across all branches.

It features twin turboshaft engines, a single four-bladed main rotor, and a four-bladed tail rotor, which allow for top speeds over 180 mph. Typically, this helicopter carries a crew of two pilots and two crew chiefs and can transport up to 11 fully equipped soldiers. In total, the Black Hawk can carry a payload of roughly 9,000 pounds.

Black Hawk helicopters have played important roles in conflicts around the globe. One infamous instance was the conflict in Somalia in 1993, particularly the Battle of Mogadishu. The Black Hawk played a significant role in urban combat and casualty evacuation under intense fire. This story would go on to make it as a blockbuster movie famously titled “Black Hawk Down.”

UH-72 Lakota

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 2007
• Active aircraft: 478
• Top speed: 167 mph

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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