The Fastest Helicopter in the US Army Was Made by the Soviet Union

24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• The Apache and Black Hawk are some of the most iconic helicopters in the U.S. Army, but the fastest helicopter in service is not actually American in origin
• Designated by NATO as “Hind”, the Mi-24 is an iconic attack helicopter that was originally introduced by the Soviet Union back in the 1970s, and it is the fastest helicopter in the U.S. Army
• Developed in the late 1960s by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the Mi-24 Hind earned the nickname the “Flying Tank” for its ability to transport troops while also providing heavy fire support
• With a top speed of 208 mph, the Mi-24 is one of the fastest operational attack helicopters in the world. It is powered by two Isotov TV3-117 turboshaft engines that can produce 2,200 shaft horsepower each
• Also: Dividend legends to hold forever

The U.S. Army is widely known for its helicopter fleet, filled with some of the most advanced helicopters in the world. The Apache and Black Hawk are chief among these, but the fastest helicopter in the Army is not actually American in origin. The Mi-24 ranks as the fastest helicopter in the fleet, and it comes from the Soviet Union. (These are the most heavily armed Russian aircraft currently in service.)

Designated by NATO as “Hind”, the Mi-24 is an iconic attack helicopter that was originally introduced by the Soviet Union back in the 1970s. Despite its origins in the Cold War era, the Mi-24 sees use in the U.S. Army in training exercises and as an evaluation of foreign technology.

Developed in the late 1960s by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the Mi-24 was a unique combination of a gunship and transport helicopter. It was one of the first helicopters capable of transporting troops while also providing heavy fire support. This is in part how it earned the nickname the “Flying Tank”. (These countries have the most Sukhoi fighter jets.)

With a top speed of 208 mph, the Mi-24 is one of the fastest operational attack helicopters in the world. It is powered by two Isotov TV3-117 turboshaft engines that can produce 2,200 shaft horsepower each. Although more modern helicopters have greater speeds, in the 1970s this was an engineering marvel.

In terms of its armament, this helicopter can equip a 12.7mm Yak-B Gatling gun, cannons of various calibers, rocket pods, and anti-tank guided missiles. Additionally, the hardpoints on the Mi-24 can hold conventional drop bombs.

The U.S. Army’s interest in the Mi-24 primarily pertains to evaluating the helicopter to better understand its strengths and weaknesses. U.S. forces have flown the Mi-24 in various scenarios, mainly for training and realistic threat simulations. While the Mi-24 was never deployed in combat by the U.S., it has played an important role in shaping the Army’s understanding of Soviet helicopters.

Outside of the U.S., the Mi-24 Hind is one of the more popular military helicopters in the world, serving in multiple air forces. However, 24/7 Wall St. is focusing on helicopters in the U.S. Army today. (Russia’s helicopter fleet outguns all of Eastern Europe.)

To identify the fastest helicopters currently in service of the U.S. Army, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft by top speed. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, year introduced, and armament.

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

Why Are We Covering This?

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 in its operations. Lastly, the composition and technological level of the aircraft fleet highlight the Army’s ability of maintaining dominance and its rapid response capabilities, both of these are key factors in its strategic defense planning.

 

9. H125 Fennec

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1990
• Active aircraft: 1
• Aircraft on order: 0
• 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

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.

8. Mi-8/17 Hip

• Type: Medium-lift transport / gunship helicopter
• Year introduced: 1977
• Active aircraft: 10
• Aircraft on order: 0
• 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. 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.

7. Bell 407

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 1996
• Active aircraft: 5
• Aircraft on order: 0
• Top speed: 162 mph
• Armament: N/A

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.

6. UH-72 Lakota

• Type: Light utility helicopter
• Year introduced: 2007
• Active aircraft: 478
• Aircraft on order: 30
• Top speed: 167 mph
• Armament: N/A

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.

5. AH/MH-6 Little Bird

• Type: Light attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1980
• Active aircraft: 47
• Aircraft on order: 74
• 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 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.

4. CH-47 Chinook

• Type: Medium-lift, tandem rotor transport helicopter
• Year introduced: 1962
• Active aircraft: 510
• Aircraft on order: 57
• 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. 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.

3. AH-64 Apache

• Type: Two-seat attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1986
• Active aircraft: 824
• Aircraft on order: 15
• 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. 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.

2. S-70 Black Hawk

• Type: Medium-lift multi-mission helicopter
• Year introduced: 1979
• Active aircraft: 2,299
• Aircraft on order: 361
• 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.

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.”

1. Mil Mi-24 Hind

• Type: Attack helicopter
• Year introduced: 1973
• Active aircraft: 1
• Aircraft on order: 0
• 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 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.

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