The Apache is arguably the most successful attack helicopter of all time. The first ground-up design of an attack helicopter was the AH-1 Cobra, made by Bell Helicopters. Like that Piper Cub drafted into military service, early helicopters were modified civilian models armed and made ready for war. Helicopters saw extensive use in Korea and Vietnam. However, that’s their advantage–they are easy to hide and can pop up out of nowhere to take the enemy by surprise.Īs helicopters advanced in technology, so too did their armaments and missions. After all, attack helicopters are generally small and slow compared to many other types of military airplanes. While those Piper Cubs were a long way from today’s advanced helicopters, they did have similar performance profiles. They showed great potential for destroying enemy tanks and clearing the way for ground forces. Most notably, the US Army used the Piper Cub’s military version, the L-4, armed with as many as six bazookas. During the war, pilots demonstrated that small, slow aircraft could be used successfully against ground troops and tanks. Agusta/Westland A129 Mangusta (Italy)Īttack helicopters trace their roots back to World War II-long before helicopters were successful.
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