<p><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5aac0e377708e9220d4fe0b1-2000/rts15r4l.jpg" border="0" alt="AH-64D Apache attack helicopter" data-mce-source="Reuters/Jorge Intriago/Courtesy Air National Guard/Handout" data-mce-caption="An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter flies in front of a wall of fire during the South Carolina National Guard Air and Ground Expo at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina."></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p>Since rotary-wing aircraft were introduced during the Korean War, they've proved their utility in a bunch of mission areas like troop transport, reconnaissance, vertical replenishment, and <a href="https://www.wearethemighty.com/intel/medevac-rescue-afghanistan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Medevac</a>.</p><p>But perhaps no other capability has changed the dynamic on the battlefield as much as the use of helicopters as attack platforms.</p><p>Here are four models that enemies have learned to fear over the years:</p><h3>1. Huey gunship</h3><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/603d339413b221001876aec0-2000/GettyImages-515539244.jpg" border="0" alt="UH-1B Huey helicopter gunship" data-mce-source="Bettmann/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="The door gunner aboard a UH-1B Huey helicopter gunship opens fire on a target during search-and-destroy missions against Viet Cong positions in the Mekong Delta, January 23, 1968."></p><p>This is the one that started it all. As the Vietnam War expanded, the Huey became the workhorse because of its utility in jungle environments and maintainability.</p><p>The engineers added sponsons with hard points, and the Huey became a lethal gunship capable of firing rockets, grenades, and 20mm bullets.</p><h3>2. Huey Cobra</h3><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ce455c7021b4c52675feccc-1400/956404.jpg" border="0" alt="AH-1W Super Cobra UH-1Y Huey helicopter" data-mce-source="US Marine Corps/Sgt. Reece Lodder" data-mce-caption="An AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter and UH-1Y Huey helicopter off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, flying to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during maintenance and readiness flights, June 13, 2013."></p><p>As defenses got more sophisticated during the Vietnam War, the US Army and US Marine Corps decided they needed a more sophisticated attack helicopter. Enter the Cobra with wing mounts that can be loaded with rockets and missiles and a chin mount that can fire at a rate of 4,000 rounds per minute.</p><p>The two-man crew sits in tandem, with the pilot sittingsurprisingly enoughin the rear cockpit. The Cobra most recently proved it's mettle during the invasion of Iraq in 2003 where it was used in urban environments very effectively.</p><h3>3. Mi-24 Hind</h3><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5e2b1b8962fa8127453ef807-1400/191120-f-cj465-1157.jpeg" border="0" alt="Russia Mi-24 Hind helicopter gunship Air Force" data-mce-source="US Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens" data-mce-caption="A Russian Mi-24 Hind gunship flies over Ryan Airfield in Arizona, November 20, 2019."></p><p>Arguably the meanest-looking helicopter ever, the Soviets used the Hind extensively against the Mujahadeen in Afghanistan, and it was during that war that it earned its reputation.</p><p>It was designed to be fast (it held the helicopter speed record of 228.9 mph from 1978-1986), survivable (its fuselage is armored and the rotor blades are titanium), and lethal (both internal and external bombs, guns, and rockets).</p><p>Most recently, Hinds have been seen in the skies over Syria carrying out attack missions against both ISIS insurgents and Syrian rebels.</p><h3>4. AH-64 Apache</h3><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/56d750422e526575008baf68/screen%20shot%202016-03-02%20at%2031526%20pm.png" border="0" alt="apache hellfire" data-mce-source="US DoD"></p><p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache">Apache</a> is the most technologically advanced of the bunch, with helmet-mounted cueing and avionics that allow it to prioritize 256 targets day or night and in all weather conditions. Like the Cobra, the two-man crew sits in tandem with the pilot in the rear cockpit.</p><p>The Apache carries a mix of weapons including rockets, Hellfire missiles, and a chin-mounted 30 mm chain gun. The Apache first proved its worth during Desert Storm, an environment for which it was well suited. It's also been extensively employed in the wars since 9-11.</p><p>Time to get moto with a couple of awesome videos. First, check out this Cobra compilation:</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0s-LT5p4Nj4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>Now dig this Apache action:</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bGrNkl8HzPw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><strong>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/special-operations-gear-that-regular-troops-get-to-use-too-2021-2" >4 pieces of special-operations gear that regular troops now get to use too</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-fearsome-attack-helicopters-in-military-history-2021-3#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marines-zulu-cobra-attack-helicopter-miltary-2016-10">The 'Zulu Cobra' helicopter is one of the Marines' most powerful weapons</a></p>
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