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American defense contractors produce more than half the combat helicopters in use around the globe. Here are the top 10 models, and the names of the companies that make them.
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Top 10 Most Popular Combat Helicopters in the World
UTC’s Sikorsky division builds the world’s most popular combat helo. Source: Wikimedia Commons
United Technologies UH-60 Black HawkThe most popular
combat chopper on the globe, Sikorsky's Black Hawk boasts an 18% global market share.
That's more than Lockheed's F-16 -- the
most popular fighter jet.
There are more Black Hawks flying today
(3,342) than there are F-16s and F-18s ...
combined.Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mil Mi-8 HipFirst introduced in 1961,
Russia's most popular whirlybird had a 13 year head start on the Black
Hawk, but still only takes second place.
2,328 units in service around the globe. 12%
market share.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Textron Bell UH-1 HueyA certified Vietnam Vet, Bell's Huey is
57 years young, and still going strong.
Out of 16,000 units produced, 1,509 remain in service -- giving
Huey an 8% market share.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mil Mi-24 HindThe villain of the Soviet war in Afghanistan, the Mi-24 was a key reason
why the CIA began funneling Stinger
missiles to Mujahedeen fighters in the 80’s.
Those missiles took a tremendous toll, but
987 Hinds are still flying today -- 5% of the
global fleet.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Boeing AH-64 ApacheFlying close behind
the Hind in popularity comes Boeing's Apache -- no mean feat given
that the Apache costs 50% more.
With 956 Apaches in service around the globe, this helo has a 5% market share.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Boeing CH-47 ChinookThe undisputed king of vertical lift, when
troops and cargo absolutely,
positively, must get there faster than
overnight -- customers opt for Boeing's Chinook.
904 units in service. 5% market share.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Textron Bell OH-58 KiowaThe U.S. Army plans
to retire its Kiowa fleet -- but if it does, the helo should find
plenty of willing second-hand buyers.
With 773 units in service, Kiowa
commands 4% of the market.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Textron Bell 412How popular is Bell's 412 internationally? Popular enough that in the Philippines, it's
the equivalent of America's "Marine
One," ferrying presidents from Point
A to Point B.
Globally, 661 units remain in service, for
4% market share.Source: Wikimedia Commons
MD Helicopters MD 500First developed as a
light observation bird for the U.S.
Army, the MD 500 found a ready
market abroad as well.
With 633 units in service, it owns 3%
of the global market.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Textron Bell AH-1 CobraUntil the Apache
displaced it, Bell's AH-1 Cobra formed the backbone of the U.S. Army's attack helicopter fleet.
Today, it's the primary attack helo
for the USMC. Globally, its 541
units add up to a 3% market share.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
And so you see, in combat helicopters as in fighter jets, America -- and American defense contractors --
continue to dominate the market.
Holding eight of the top 10 spots on the list of the world's most popular combat helicopters, U.S. defense contractors Textron, Boeing, and United Technologies have
built more than half the military helos in use around the globe today.
They build helicopters for every purpose, from reconnaissance to cargo transport to ground attack, and at every price range -- from a mere $5 million for the Kiowa, to as
much as $35 million for a fully tricked-out Chinook.
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