The Huey comes with a 3 to 4 man crew and, most importantly, can haul 11 to 14 passengers. It weighs 4.7 tons and can carry an internal payload of 1.5 tons and an external load of 2 tons. The Huey can hit a top speed of 127 mph and a range of 318 miles. Lastly, the Huey can haul side mounted 7.62mm guns and even rockets.

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UH-60 Blackhawk – The Blackhawk is the ubiquitous helicopter of the US military—wherever there are American troops, there are Blackhawk’s. This helicopter is the new workhorse in the wake of the UH-1H and had to be good to replace such a venerable bird. The Blackhawk is faster, stronger, and tougher and can execute a broad range of missions. In the Blackhawk portfolio you’ll find: air cavalry, electronic warfare, Medevac, and troop carrying. The Blackhawk can carry a squad of 11 in its standard configuration and double that when the seats are pulled out. The Blackhawk carries advanced avionics and has global positioning.

The Black comes with a 3 to 4 man crew. It weighs 10 tons and can haul an internal payload of 2 tons and an external payload of 4 tons. It can reach speeds of up to 184 mph with a range of 368 miles. The Blackhawk can mount auxiliary fuel tanks that extend its range to 1,102 to 1,380 miles. It can also carry 7.62mm machine guns.

CH-47D Chinook – The Chinook is the air assault team’s cargo bird. Its powerful engines and dual rotors make it fast while its long body accommodates to a wide range of equipment. The Chinook has become the backbone of operations in Afghanistan in that it is the only helicopter that can operate at the altitudes of the Hindu Kush.

The Chinook is a highly versatile heavy lift helicopter that can carry troops, artillery, and a full assortment of support equipment from bulldozers to forty-foot containers. The Chinook carries advanced avionics and GPS and is manned by a crew of 4. It weighs 27 tons and can carry an internal payload of 12.5 tons and external payload of 17 tons. As big as this bird is, it is pretty fast reaching speeds of up to 177 mph with a range of 706 miles.

AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter – The Cobra is the air assault forces first generation gunship. It made its mark in Vietnam alongside the Huey and like the Huey is being phased out of front line service although it is seen in service in the Marine Corps, the Army Reserves and in foreign militaries around the world. The Cobra has enhanced fire control, thermal imaging, radar jamming, and infrared countermeasures. The Cobra weighs 5 tons and can make 195 mph with a 315-mile range. The Cobra packs TOW anti-tank missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, and the 20mm cannon.

AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter – The Apache is America’s second generation gunship and replacement for the Cobra. The Apache is a fearsome and lethal attack bird, often able to destroy elements of the air defense threat on its own. It was the Apache that struck the first blows of Operation Desert Storm (ODS) by destroying a key Iraqi ADA radar site that cleared the way for the massive Air Force strikes that followed. The Apache has a 2-man crew, weighs 10.5 tons, can make 227 mph, and has a range of 300 miles. It packs Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, and a 30mm Chain gun.

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