Meet the Oldest and the Cutting-Edge Helicopters Powering the U.S. Army

Recently, South Korea has suffered deadly wildfires in the southeast part of the country. The record-setting flames have caused entire communities to evacuate and have destroyed thousands of buildings and structures, including a historic Buddhist temple that stood for centuries. The U.S. sent five helicopters from its fleet to help put out the fires. One CH-47 Chinook and four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with large water buckets arrived on Friday, April 11, 2025. The CH-47 is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter that was first introduced in 1962. The Black Hawk was introduced in the 1970s and is one of the most iconic and well-known U.S. helicopters.

The U.S. Army relies on both helicopters that have stood the test of time and cutting-edge, new technologies to stay current for today’s modern military challenges. U.S. helicopters must meet modern combat and logistical needs of the nation, and they do so with enhanced speed, agility, and technology. (Also check out the iconic helicopters that saw battle in the Vietnam War.)

24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of the newest helicopters used by the U.S. Army by reviewing data from FlightGlobal’s 2024 World Air Forces report. (FlightGlobal is an aviation and aerospace industry website.) We ranked the aircraft chronologically, from oldest to newest. Additionally, we included data on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, top speed, and armament.

(This article was updated on April 13, 2025, to reflect recent news regarding the wildfires in South Korea.)

Why Are We Covering This Now?

Recently, the U.S. sent five helicopters to aid South Korea in putting out massive wildfires, which are causing widespread damage. 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 to its operations. Lastly, the composition and technological level of the aircraft fleet highlight the Army’s ability to maintain dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of which are key factors in its strategic defense planning.

Here is a look at the newest U.S. Army helicopters currently in service:

9. CH-47 Chinook

• 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. The Chinook has been extensively used in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions worldwide.

8. Mil Mi-24 Hind

• Type: Attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1973
• Active aircraft: 1
• Top speed: 208 mph
• Armament: 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 23mm cannon, 30mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, machine gun pods, cannon pods, conventional drop bombs

The Mil Mi-24 Hind is another Soviet-era helicopter in service with 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.

7. Mi-8/17 Hip

• 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

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.

6. S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk

• Type: Medium-lift multi-mission helicopter
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 2,299
• Top speed: 183 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, Hellfire missiles, 12.7mm gatling guns, M134 gatling guns, rocket pods, 30mm chain gun

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. 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.”

5. AH/MH-6 Little Bird

• 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 was originally designed by Hughes, then later McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. 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.

4. AH-64 Apache

• Type: 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. This two-seat attack helicopter was designed by Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Hughes. These come standard with a 30mm automatic cannon, and can equip Hellfire missiles and Hydra rocket pods, along with air-to-air ordnance like Stinger, Sidewinder, and Sidearm missiles.

3. H125 Fennec

• 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

The H125 Fennec is a versatile light utility helicopter that can equip serious armament, if needed. Designed by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, 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.

2. Bell 407

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1996
• Active aircraft: 5
• Top speed: 162 mph
• Armament: N/A

The Bell 407 is 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. The Bell 407 usually plays various support roles.

1. UH-72 Lakota

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

The UH-72 Lakota is a modern light utility helicopter that serves primarily in non-combat missions, such as transport, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance roles. Originally designed by Eurocopter, the Lakota is now designed by Airbus Helicopters.

The post Meet the Oldest and the Cutting-Edge Helicopters Powering the U.S. Army appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..