Which Helicopters Have Helped the U.S. Marines Throughout History?

In 2023, the U.S. Air Force lost eight members when a MV-22 Osprey helicopter crashed off the coast of Japan. Then, in November 2024, engine issues in the MV-22 nearly brought down another helicopter over New Mexico — according to Flight Global, this incident was called a “near-crash.” The MV-22, also used by the U.S. Marine Corps, has similarly experienced two fatal crashes leading to Corps member deaths in 2022. Given the challenges associated with the MV-22 Osprey, the U.S. Marine Corps recently announced in February 2025 that it would be focusing on mechanical improvements to reduce safety concerns and make the helicopter better, and more sturdy, for future use. The full scope of improvements may expand. But for now, the U.S. Marine Corps is looking to use more durable material for the construction of the MV-22’s proprotor gearbox. The engine failures have been found to be caused by metal chip fragments entering the engines. Another important improvement, then, is adding sensors that can determine whether any fragments have gotten into the engine and could cause harm. (Interested in other military branches? Check out every aircraft currently in service in the U.S. Army.)

Helicopters have historically shaped, and continue to shape, U.S. Marine Corps’ operations. Marine Corps aviation first began in 1912 and has since expanded. The use of aircraft in Marine Corps missions provides a range of support for military forces. Not only can these helicopters perform reconnaissance and surveillance, but they can provide helpful battle support to troops on the ground, as well as shuttle cargo or resources to harder-to-reach locations. 24/7 Wall St. wanted to learn more about which helicopters have played a role in the U.S. Marine Corps. To get a better understanding of how the U.S. Marine Corps prioritizes its aviation needs, 24/7 Wall St. sourced data from FlightGlobal’s 2025 World Air Forces directory. This report details the share of military aircraft across 161 nations. We also included supplemental information on aircraft type, speed, range, and armament from various online sources. The aircraft are listed in order from most recently introduced into U.S. Marine Corps service to oldest in age.

This previously published article was updated in March 2025 to reflect new data from the 2025 World Air Forces directory and to highlight the U.S. Marine Corps’ continued commitment to improving its fleet. 

U.S. Military Fleet

Helicopters have long been an important part of the U.S. military as a whole. According to Global Firepower, the U.S. has:

• 13,043 military aircraft — or 25% of the global share
• 5,547 combat helicopters — or 27% of the global share

This means that combat helicopters account for 42.5% of all U.S. military aircraft across every branch.

The Current Importance of Military Helicopters

By understanding which aircraft are used by the U.S. Marine Corps, you can gain deeper insight into joint military capabilities and expeditionary defense strategies. The U.S. Marine Corps uses its helicopter arsenal to project power quickly and operate in different environments. This also gives context to the tactical flexibility and logistical reach the Corps brings to its operations, from amphibious assaults to close air support. Lastly, the composition and technological sophistication of the Marine Corps’ aircraft fleet highlight its ability to maintain dominance and execute rapid response missions. Most recently, the Marine Corps has chosen to focus its attention and funding on one specific helicopter on our list; officials recently ordered 10 new helicopters at a total price of $322.5 million.

These are the oldest and newest helicopters used by the U.S. Marine Corps: 

5. CH-53K King Stallion

• Type: Heavy-lift transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 2018
• Active aircraft: 17 (12+175 ordered)
• Top speed: 196 mph
• Range: 529 miles
• Armament: 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 12.7mm GAU-21 miniguns

The CH-53K King Stallion is the newest heavy-lift helicopter to enter the U.S. Marine Corps’ arsenal in May 2018. Built by Sikorsky, the King Stallion is capable of lifting over 36,000 pounds, which is roughly three times more than its predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion. But that’s not all — the CH-53K has also undergone serious upgrades from the CH-53E, such as fly-by-wire controls for better precision, improved fuel efficiency and range, larger cargo spaces, upgraded avionics and sensors, and three powerful General Electric T408 turbines.

4. AH-1Z Viper

• Type: Twin-engine attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 2010
• Active aircraft: 178
• Top speed: 255 mph
• Range: 426 miles
• Armament: 20mm M196 cannon, Hellfire missiles, air-to-surface missiles, Sidewinder missiles, Hydra 70 rocket pods

Known affectionately as “Zulu” or “Zulu Cobra,” the AH-1Z Viper is trusted heavily by the U.S. Marine Corps. Like many other helicopters on our list, the AH-1Z Viper was developed by Bell. It represents the next iteration of the Cobra series and comes with greatly improved agility and firepower.

The Viper is one of the most heavily armed aircraft at the Marine Corps’ disposal — and it shows. While this attack helicopter can be used for reconnaissance, the AH-1Z Viper is usually deployed for close air support, anti-air warfare, and anti-armor operations. Its ability to operate well both in daylight and at night allows the U.S. to gain advantage over other forces who lack this type of technology.

3. UH-1Y Venom

• Type: Medium-lift utility / transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 2008
• Active aircraft: 127
• Top speed: 189 mph
• Range: 150 miles
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, 12.7mm GAU-16/A gatling guns, hydra rocket pods

The UH-1Y Venom, affectionately known as the “Yankee,” is a key asset of the U.S. Marine Corps. Manufactured by Bell, the Venom is an upgraded version of the iconic UH-1 Huey that played an important role in the Vietnam War. The Venom can perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, close air support, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance. This versatility and adaptability makes it a welcome tool. The UH-1Y Venom has an improved twin engine setup that allows it to move at faster speeds; it also has more advanced avionics and sensor systems than its predecessor.

2. MV-22 Osprey

• Type: Tiltrotor military transport and cargo aircraft
• Year introduced: Crew training (2000); fielding (2007)
• Active aircraft: 310 (5 more ordered)
• Top speed: 316 mph
• Range: 1,011 miles
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, 12.7mm machine guns

The MV-22 Osprey is known for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) ablities. Essentially, this aircraft can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and adjust its rotors to operate like a turboprop plane. For this reason, the MV-22 Osprey is one of the more unique aircraft in the U.S. Marine Corps’ fleet. In fact, it is also the most numerous combat helicopter in the fleet. One of the draws of the MV-22 Osprey is its versatility. This aircraft can play key roles in U.S. special operations missions like infiltration, extraction, and resupply. The Osprey also can refuel mid-flight which significantly extends its range for longer missions.

Since its introduction, the MV-22 Osprey has seen action in major operations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions worldwide, typically filling a logistical role. In terms of its cargo, the Osprey is capable of carrying up to 24 combat-loaded Marines or 20,000 pounds of internal or external cargo.

1. CH-53E Super Stallion

• Type: Super heavy-lift transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1981
• Active aircraft: 131
• Top speed: 196 mph
• Range: 621.4 miles
• Armament: 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 12.7mm GAU-21 miniguns

Since being introduced in June 1981, the CH-53E Super Stallion has been the workhorse of the U.S. Marine Corps. This helicopter is designed to transport large payloads and can lift roughly 12,000 pounds externally. The CH-53E is powered by three General Electric T64-GE-416/416A turboshaft engines, each producing around 4,380 horsepower. One of the Super Stallion’s key features is its aerial refueling capability. This allows the helicopter to extend its operational range for longer missions. Alongside the ability to operate from amphibious assault ships, the CH-53E can perform well on both land and sea missions, amplifying its strategic importance. We’ve seen this in the Super Stallion’s impressive combat record, serving in operations like Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq.

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