AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND UAV
The Fastest Route Is Through The Air
The Army boasts an array of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and UAV in its fleet. Each perform a variety of missions, including assault, search and destroy, transport and supply and recon. The Army also utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to perform strikes and reconnaissance without risking manpower.
Army aircraft are generally piloted by warrant officers, who must be trained through the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) school. Learn more about what it takes to become a warrant officer and find yourself in the cockpit of one of the Army's state-of-the-art aircraft.
Helicopters
AH-64 Apache
The AH-64 Apache is the Army's primary assault helicopter. It has four blades, two-engines, a tandem cockpit, and a weapon system that can carry a devastating payload of Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. The Apache also has a M230 chain gun for close unit support.
UH-60 Black Hawk
The Black Hawk is one of the most versatile rotary aircraft in the world. Its speed and high weight ceiling make it an excellent tool for sling load operations and troop transport. The Black Hawk can also be used during combat operations, as it can be equipped with a variety of weaponry.
CH-47 Chinook
The Chinook is a heavy transport aircraft, equipped to carry both troops and supplies. The latest models of the Chinook come with a fully integrated digital cockpit, common aviation architecture and advanced cargo-handling capabilities.
UH-72 Lakota
The Lakota is advanced, dual-engine trainer flown throughout the world. It has an advanced avionics system and utilizes state of the art multifunction displays.
MH-6 Little Bird
The MH-6 Little Bird, known as the “killer egg” is a light observation helicopter that can also be used for air interdiction, assault and light transport. It can be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including an M230 Chain Gun, Hydra 70 rocket pods and anti tank guided missiles.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
C-12 Huron
The C-12 Huron is a dual-engine aircraft, mostly serving a utility role. It is a proven workhorse, and serves as a personnel transport, and scout.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MQ-1 Gray Eagle
The Gray Eagle has an endurance of 25 hours and can reach speeds of up to 167 knots (about 192 mph). It can carry more than 1,000 pounds of internal and external payload, including communications systems and four hellfire missiles.
RQ-7 Shadow 200
In service since 2001, the Shadow can perform strikes on targets 125 km away and can spot targets from a height of 8,000 feet.
